LACA Cost of Living survey highlights 3 key challenges facing school caterers
The survey respondents provide services across more than 4,695 schools feeding c. 1.4m pupils every day. The results of the survey were unveiled at the LACA Autumn national seminar, which took place on Thursday 13th November 2025 at the Chesford Grange Hotel in Kenilworth.
According to the survey 59% of respondents have continued to experience shortages and substitutions that impact their operation within the last six months. On average the price of a school meal has increased by 26.5% since March 2020.
Only two in ten school caterers (19%) reported that they are currently able to provide a school foods compliant meal within the existing £2.61 funding rate (£3 in London). Among the 81% of school caterers who said they could not meet the standards at current rates, the average funding level required to do so was estimated at £3.25 per meal.
The research found that almost seven in ten respondents are still experiencing recruitment challenges. The highest percentage of vacant roles within catering operations were for kitchen assistants (22%).
LACA, the school food people, are calling for increased school meals funding to a minimum of £3.45 per meal and for it to be ring-fenced to ensure all of the money goes towards the caterers.
Brad Pearce, vice chair of LACA, commented: “Our regular Cost-of-Living Surveys which we began in March 2022 have presented a powerful view of the impact of the rising food costs, supply chain concerns and recruitment challenges facing the school food industry.
“This document provides an update on the current situation and the effect on schools, pupils and your operations and your very real concerns for the future of our industry and the ability to continue to procure quality ingredients, prepare, cook and serve great tasting hot school meals to children and young people across the country.
“The results of this survey will further support LACA' s campaign to highlight the issues being experienced by all school food providers, as well as schools. This survey will help us inform Government about the actions needed to protect the industry, feed children and secure the jobs of the school food workforce and wider supply chain.”
LACA members can download a copy of the October 2025 LACA Cost of Living and Supply Chain Survey.