Gareth Wyn Jones makes rallying cry to put more British produce on public sector menus
He said: “It’s all about local, seasonal, sustainable, and affordable. We need to build a better Britain on our bellies. Farmers struggle with the weather, with prices, and from changing Government policy, but we do have public support.
“So we need more from the Government to invest in children – not feeding them rubbish, showing them where food comes from and how to cook it. We could save the NHS billions in the future.
“It’s about collaboration. We need everyone sitting down together. Farmers need to be proud of what they do, and we need support from the public sector start to find solutions.”
David Foad, editor of Public Sector Catering Magazine, chaired a six-person State of the industry panel debate at the Public Sector Catering Expo.
The topics discussed included the recruitment and cost related challenges, the Public Sector Catering Alliance’s rejection to the Food and Drink Sector Council, the growing concerns around obesity in children, the Bang In Some Beans campaign, how to make the most of the Chef of the Year winners and the importance of training.
The panel debate involved Michael Hales from LACA (The School Food People), Nicky Joiner from Assist FM, Jayne Jones from the Public Sector Catering Alliance, Sophie Murray from the National Association of Care Catering, Amanda Pettingill from TUCO and Iain Robertson from the Hospital Caterers Association.