News

For those pupils who regularly enjoy a hot, nutritious school lunch, the experience is about a lot more than just the meal on the plate.

School caterers across the country aim to teach important life skills to students and give them tools and knowledge to grow up strong, healthy and have the energy to learn and thrive in the classroom.

Speaking about National School Meals Week (NSMW), chair of LACA Michael Hales said: “I am really looking forward to a busy week visiting schools and joining in with all the celebrations highlighting the importance and everything that is great about school meals.  

“I shall be focussing on initiatives like cooking together, nutrition, community and environment before hopefully meeting many members at our National Seminar on Thursday 13th November. I will be reporting from each of my school visits and would love to see everything that is going on in your schools too so please be sure to share on social media.”

During each day of NSMW, LACA will actively promote one of the many benefits each day as set out below:

• Monday – Cooking together: LACA will work to encourage pupils to get involved in cooking, asking caterers to share recipes for pupils (and parents) to download and try at home.
• Tuesday – Nutrition: Educating children as to what a balanced meal looks like, giving them skills to make the right choice at meal times and snack time. 
• Wednesday – Community: will inform pupils as to where their school food comes from. No NSMW can go past without including such important messages.
• Thursday – Environmental: School caterers do a lot to reduce their food miles and reduce waste in general. LACA will encourage pupils to take an interest in this area.
• Friday – Social: The importance of eating together, learning how to use a knife and fork, being sociable and kind whilst enjoying school food. A day to invite VIPS and showcase the best of school meals.

When sharing your NSMW content on social media, use the hashtags: #LACA_UK #greatschoolfood #mindfulmeals.