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The week is an important opportunity to thank school caterers who have continued to feed children during the Covid-19 pandemic and to encourage students to return to eating a hot meal that meets nutritional standards.

Throughout the pandemic, LACA’s members have been focused on feeding children, including those entitled to free school meals and children of key workers.

As well as providing hot meals in schools, LACA have worked with the Department for Education and Public Health England to develop guidance on food parcels for children who are entitled to Free School Meals but are self-isolating.

Thousands of healthy and nutritious food parcels have been provided by LACA members to children across the country.

LACA’s belief is that its members have the infrastructure and food supplies to provide nutritious meals to students during term time and the holidays.

That is why it has recently called on the Government to extend food parcels during the holidays, ensuring that the most vulnerable children in our society receive healthy ingredients that can be used to make nutritious meals.

The Minister for Children and Families, Vicky Ford, has also written to headteachers of schools and academies urging them to get involved with National School Meals Week.

Commenting on National School Meals Week, National Chair of LACA – The School Food People, Stephen Forster said: “This year’s National School Meals Week is particularly poignant as school chefs across the country have been working throughout the pandemic to feed children.

“Our school chefs are key workers, who deserve to be celebrated. Up and down the country our members are dedicated to feeding children a hot and healthy meal, where possible.

“For those who have had to self-isolate and are entitled to free school meals, we have worked with the Government and Public Health England to provide food parcels. We call on the Government to extend these food parcels during the holidays.”