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Jacquie Blake has also taken up the position as National Vice Chair and will be working with Stephen over the next 12 months with Brad Pearce announced as the new national vice chair elect of LACA.

Commenting on his appointment, Stephen Forster said: “I am delighted to take up the mantle as Chair of LACA following a successful year which saw LACA campaign to tackle childhood obesity, increase the money awarded for UIFSM and raise awareness about the proliferation of fast food restaurants near schools.

“This work, led by my excellent predecessor Michael Hales, will continue under my Chairmanship. I will also be focussing on raising awareness about allergens, to ensure the school food sector is at the forefront of the food and drinks industry. I look forward to working with Jacquie and continuing to engage with our wider stakeholders to promote LACA and the excellent work that our members do.”

Immediate past chair, Michael Hales added: “I greatly enjoyed championing the work of LACA during my year as Chair and as Vice Chair. I am particularly proud that during my year as Chair we met with more Parliamentarians than any year before, with the highlight being the Minister responsible for school food addressing our NSMW Parliamentary reception.

“I will continue to support LACA in my capacity as immediate past chair to promote the work of our great industry. I look forward to Stephen building on the work that we have already achieved and wish him every success”. 

LACA said that it would like to place on record its thanks to Michael Hales for all his efforts over the last year as National Chair and his ‘fantastic commitment’ to the industry.