News

The theme for the LACA Main Event is ‘Levelling Up School Food’. 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 will address the disparities in school meals funding across the nations and explore strategies to ensure that all children and young people receive the very best school food to support their growth and learning. 

The early bird discount is £495 +VAT (standard price £635 +VAT). It is open to full LACA members who book the two night residential package and expires on Friday 26th April. For more information or to book, visit here. 

It includes two night accommodation with breakfast and lunch; attendance at the Forum, School Food Show and LACA Live Workshops; a place at the informal networking dinner on Wednesday 3rd July and a place at the LACA Awards for Excellence dinner on Thursday 4th July.

Visitors can look forward to a range of features at this year’s Main Event, including:

• The School Food Show: Companies will be exhibiting showcasing products and services for the whole school meals sector, covering food and beverage, technology, tableware and seating – everything for school caterers under one roof.
• LACA School Chef of the Year national final: The national final, sponsored by Bisto, will be part of the LACA Main Event again this year.
• Grab ‘N’ Go Challenge: The competition, which is sponsored by SchoolGrid, takes place on Wednesday 3rd with the winner demonstrating their winning dish on the LACA Live stage on Thursday 4th.
• LACA Awards for Excellence: A highlight of the LACA Main Event, nominations for the 2023 LACA Awards for Excellence are now open.
• Finishing Touches: Finishing Touches will return, sponsored again by McDougalls. It gives school caterers the chance to show off their creativity and professional skills. Entries open now.
• LACA Live: Returns for 2024 with demonstrations over the two days.
• Workshops: Informative workshop sessions will return offering practical advice on key operational issues, the impact of new legislation and best practice case studies

For further information on the LACA Main Event and all show features, keep an eye on the website over the coming weeks for regular updates.

The School Food Show that runs alongside the Main Event is free to attend, and registration is now open.