News

From the start of the 2026 school year, over half a million more children will benefit from a free nutritious meal every school day. To ensure quality and nutrition in meals for the future, the Government is also acting with experts across the sector to revise the School Food Standards.

Judith Gregory, chair of LACA, commented: “This is a vital step toward ensuring the most vulnerable children have access to a hot, nutritious meal each day - which, for many, is their only one. While this policy has the potential to make a real difference, it must be properly funded.

“The current allowance of £2.61 per meal has not kept pace with inflation and falls significantly short of what is provided elsewhere in the UK - £3.30 in Scotland and £3.20 in Wales. Without adequate funding, caterers will struggle to deliver the quality of meals children need and deserve.

“We urge the Government to ensure this important policy is matched by the necessary investment, so it does not place further strain on already stretched school budgets.”

The issue of free school meals funding will be one of the key themes at the LACA Main Event, which is taking place on 8-9th July at the Birmingham Hilton Metropole. School chefs and education caterers can register to attend the LACA School Food Show for free.