LACA reacts to Government Budget failing to increase school meals funding
The 2024 LACA Main Event featured the theme ‘Levelling Up School Food’ to highlight the disparity in school meals funding seen across the UK. LACA had previously launched a campaign urging all the pollical parties ahead of the general election to commit to a minimum funding level of £3 per meal (index linked).
Judith Gregory, chair of LACA, said: “LACA is deeply disappointed that, despite the ongoing cost of living crisis and the significant challenges facing our sector, additional funding has not been allocated to fund the provision of free school lunches In England.
“Rising food costs, inflation, and operational pressures have placed unprecedented strain on school catering services. Without this critical support, we fear many providers may be forced to close, jeopardising the future of nutritious school meals for children across the country.
“We urge the Government to reconsider and prioritise the essential role of school meals in supporting young people’s health, well-being, and education.”
The Cost of a School Meal report by charity School Food Matters found that the current funding rate of £2.53 per school meal in England is 63p below what is needed, making the ‘true cost’ £3.16.
This includes £1.16 for food, £1.66 to employ an appropriately skilled team, 32p for overheads and an additional 2p earmarked for quality assurance.