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The theme for this year’s conference, exhibition, competitions, and awards extravaganza is ‘Levelling Up School Food’, which has been chosen to put the focus on the fact that providing nutritious meals to children has become increasingly challenging due to significant cost increases, staff shortages and funding shortfalls.

In response to these challenges, LACA has launched a campaign urging all political parties to commit to a minimum funding level of £3 per meal (index-linked) in their general election manifestoes. The programme and features at the Main Event have been designed to address the disparities in school meals funding across the four UK nations of Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and England.

Various speakers and panel sessions will explore strategies that can help to ensure that all children and young people receive the very best school food to support their growth and learning.

Among the speaker highlights Dr Amir Khan, a full-time GP and best-selling author who is the resident doctor for ITV’s Lorraine & Good Morning Britain and hosts Dr Amir’s Sugar Crash (Channel 5) and You Are What You Eat (with Trisha Goddard, Channel 5).

He will talk about the importance of nutrition in children’s diets and the impact of good nutrition at an early age on other public health bodies including the NHS.

And there is also Dr Michael Mosely, the BBC science presenter and writer whose programmes on exercise (The Truth About Exercise) and diet (Eat, Fast & Live Longer) have produced much popular and media discussion. 

He will try to tackle the definition of what ultra-processed food is and why it is so bad for us and apply his understanding to the school food service and how it can continue to deliver the volumes and nutritional benefits within the tight budget restrictions.

Visitors to the biggest annual education catering event in the UK can look forward to a range of features at this year’s Main Event, including: The School Food Show, LACA School Chef of the Year (SCOTY) national final, Grab ‘N’ Go Challenge, LACA Awards for Excellence, Finishing Touches, LACA Live, workshops.

The LACA School Food Show that runs alongside the Main Event is free to attend, and registration is now open for anyone interested in popping along to catch up with some the best, new products and ideas for school meal operators.

The Early Bird Discounted booking rates for the 2024 LACA Main Event have been extended. LACA members have until Friday 10th May to book the two night residential package, saving £140 on the standard rate.

For further information on the LACA Main Event and all show features, visit the website, which will continue to be updated with the latest information right up to kick-off