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LACA represent 80% of the UK’s school catering services and are the organisers behind National School Meals Week (6-10th November). Research suggests that the price of school lunches has increased by one third in parts of England.  

Anita Brown said: “There’s been significant challenges with food costs indeed, which is a huge challenging backdrop as we start the 30th celebration of NSMW. Food inflation continues to cause challenges to the industry nationally.

“Food prices have increased by 20% these last few months. Its obviously having a huge impact on the offer that our members are giving to pupils across the country. We are still trying to meet the school food standards.

“A healthy, hot and nutritionally balanced lunch is great for education and attainment. But the issue is the cost. Most local authorities have put the price up to parents. Local authorities are bridging the gap, schools are having to bridge the gap because some parents are on that line between free school meals and not.

“NSMW aims to celebrate the meals we produce and the great chefs that produce them. Recruitment is a real issue. We have lots of events taking place and we are encouraging schools to get parents into the dining room where they can sample school meals, look at the environment and speak to chefs directly.”