News

In the lead up to the September start date for all infant school children in state-funded schools in England to be offered receive free school meals, the Craft Guild of Chefs has joined the series of one-day Universal Infant Free School Meals (UIFSM) regional roadshows that have been organised by LACA with the Children’s Food Trust.

Guild members are there to offer culinary tips and advice to head teachers and school caterers, supported by online fact sheets.

The roadshows are free to attend for head teachers and will take place in nine locations across the country, bringing together more than 10 expert speakers and suppliers preparing for the delivery of UIFSM from September.

The first three events have already taken place, whereby during the day delegates were encouraged to discuss their concerns, experiences and successes as they prepare for September.

Upcoming dates and venues include:
14th May – West Midlands – Walsall Football Club
15th May – North West – Chester Racecourse
20th May – East of England – Ipswich Town Football Club
23rd May – London – Twickenham Stoop Stadium
5th June – East Midlands – Notts County Football Club
6th June – Yorkshire & Humberside – Leeds United Football Club

The line up of industry experts includes Elygra, FCSI, Food for Life Partnership and Dewberry Redpoint, and supported by PKL and Cool Milk. The director of the School Food Plan will also be presenting at the events.

A further 20 suppliers will exhibit at each event offering advice and support. These include 3663, Brakes, Bio Store, Calypso, Contract Furniture Specialists, Cunningham EPOS Solutions, Electrolux, ESPO, Green Gourmet, Harfield, Mars Foodservice, Manitowoc Foodservice, Nisbets, Nationwide Retail Systems, Parent Pay, Pasta King, Premier Foods, Rational, SICO Europe and Thermobox UK.

Linda Cregan, chief executive of the Children’s Food Trust, is keen for anyone involved in the delivery of UIFSM to attend one of the events. “These roadshows are the perfect opportunity for head teachers, caterers and local authority catering staff to learn more about the services and support available to them and talk face-to-face with the best people in the industry. I would really encourage them to sign up for one of these free events.”

For more information about the roadshows, or to book a place, visit www.uifsm-roadshows.co.uk