HCL sees this as a vital opportunity to reinforce the importance of high-quality school meals for children’s health and academic success. The contract caterer says it consistently exceeds the Government’s School Food Standards.
Its menus are freshly prepared every day, surpassing the minimum requirements for Bronze Food for Life accreditation. HCL menus are 81% freshly prepared, surpassing the 75% minimum for Bronze Food for Life accreditation. HCL prioritises animal welfare with Red Tractor-certified chicken and high-quality butcher’s sausages.
John Want, chief executive at HCL, commented: “We are passionate about the quality of our food and the profound benefits good nutritional standards bring to children – enhancing their ability to learn and laying the foundation for their long-term health.
“The framework update is a critical step forward, particularly as schools face significant funding pressures, exacerbated by declining pupil numbers and the fixed costs associated with school meal provision. These pressures can unfortunately lead some schools to downgrade menus, risking non-compliance with School Food Standards.
"To truly safeguard meal quality and children's health, it is vital that lunchtime funding is protected, ensuring consistent total funding allows for increased investment per child. Without this, children's health and academic success could be severely compromised. HCL stands firmly with Ofsted in promoting these standards and communicating the huge benefits good meals bring to the entire school community.”