Displaying items by tag: LACE
Less meat and smaller portions in school meals, caterers say
Schools across England are struggling to provide nutritious meals as rising costs outpace government funding for free school lunches. Michael Hales, incoming chair of the Lead Association for Catering in Education (LACE), reports caterers are reducing meat portions, using cheaper ingredients, and serving smaller meals to cope with financial shortfalls. While the government recently announced an expanded free meals programme - potentially benefiting an additional 500,000 children by 2026 - the funding increase of just 3p per meal, to £2.61, falls far below actual costs, estimated at £3.45 per meal. Headteachers say they are having to divert tens of thousands of pounds from educational resources to cover meal deficits. Parents, expressing concern over declining meal quality and nutrition, have called for significant investment in school food programmes. Regional disparities further complicate matters, with higher funding rates in London, Wales, and Scotland. Without intervention, schools will struggle to meet government food standards and ensure children receive the healthy meals essential for learning and well-being.