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The biggest annual school meals event will highlight the reluctance of the Government to address the funding and recruitment issues that LACA believes are putting the service under threat.

Last week LACA chair Brad Pearce criticised the announced increase in funding for universal infant free school meals (UIFSM) from just £2.41 to £2.53, saying it ‘falls far short’ of what is needed to match soaring food and labour costs.

This year's Main Event takes place at time of what LACA is calling ‘unprecedented pressure’ on the school food sector, with high rates of food inflation and difficulties recruiting and retaining staff. The organisation says these challenges are having a direct impact on the ability of operators to run the service and on employee wellbeing.

LACA says the cost-of-living crisis means that too many children are experiencing food insecurity and that ‘hungry children cannot learn’.

If you are a school caterer, LACA says that this year's Main Event is a ‘must-attend’ opportunity to find out how your service can navigate the current landscape.

Chair of LACA Brad Pearce adds: “It has never been more important to establish common ground and a collective voice on the importance of school food and the growing pressures operators are facing to provide this vital service.

“Surely it is time that Government and policymakers thought long and hard about the impact of no school meals service on our children's health now and into the future.

“As this year's Main Event's theme unequivocally states: ‘If not now, when?’ We must all act now to safeguard our children's future.”

The School Food Show, which runs alongside the Forum, is the only national exhibition dedicated 100% to the school food sector. With over 160 exhibitors it is the ideal place to find solutions to a wide range of requirements from food and beverage products which all help education caterers meet the nutrient guidelines in place.

Also taking place today (Wednesday 5th July) are free-to-attend workshop sessions for members. They will cover single-use plastics, safeguarding your catering service and a Q & A session with education experts such as Jacquie Blake, Anita Brown and Derek Wright.

The Main Event Forum will kick-off at 2.30pm with an opening address from LACA chair Brad Pearce. Dr Katie Wilson will join forces with Stephen Menyhart to discuss the universal impact and challenges of the school food sector in England and the United States.

Customer marketing manager Emily Butler and development chef Wayne Wright from Bidfood will talk about ‘Global Food and Beverage Trends’. And in a keynote session Chris Bavin will explore ‘Eating Well on a Budget’, which he believes is a vital skill to have during the current cost-of-living crisis.

To find out more information about the LACA Main Event, visit here.