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There is a wealth of free resources to download and personalise, they can be found here. LACA are calling for schoolchildren, caterers, parents, food suppliers and schools to support LACA’s Mindful Meals campaign.

Chair of LACA, Judith Gregory commented: “Welcome to National School Meals Week (NSMW) 2024, I am proud to be chair of LACA at this exciting time of the year and can I thank you all in advance for your involvement in NSMW.

“Now in its 31st year NSMW has been a feature in school caterers calendars of events for such a long time and here we are again. This year we are asking for your support during NSMW to highlight amongst other things how school meals play an important role in children’s mental wellbeing as well as physically and academically.

“There are several events happening throughout the week as well as the ever popular theme days. There will be many new pupils choosing school meals this year with the completion of the universal primary free school meals rollout in Wales as well as reception age pupils in other areas of the UK. This is a great opportunity to showcase just how great school food is using NSMW to help with messaging and resources.

“But we start the week with something different. I’m delighted to be travelling to London shortly to meet my vice chair Michael Hales and comedian and publicist David Baddiel. LACA are working in partnership with David and his publishers and have coordinated the launch of NSMW with the launch of his new book in schools today.

“David’s latest book ‘Small Fry’ is about a boy who created the world’s best burger. David will be visiting central Park Primary School in Newham to support the launch. And we are running a competition for children and schools to enter by creating their own award-winning burger. The winners will be announced on Friday. Download your colouring sheets and put them on the tables at lunchtime and get entering.”

The five theme days for NSMW include:

• Launch day, good mood food and burger competition time: A fun day to launch the week with pupils’ favourites and promote your week of celebrations.
• Superhero Lunch: Encouraging children into the dining room by being a superhero for the day. School lunches give children the power to get through lessons.
• The Feel Good Great British Lunch: Ever popular Roast Dinner Day showcasing the best local British produce.
• Move it for a Better Mind: Linking the importance of food to physical activity.
• Be Kind Day!: Invite your local MP or VIP. But for 2024 LACA are asking everyone to carry out small acts of kindness, whether it be a thanks to the catering team, support others in the classroom, or lend a listening ear.

Join in the conversation on social media using the hashtags #GreatSchoolFood and #MindfulMeals