The competition is open to all kitchen-based staff involved in the daily preparation of pupils’ meals in schools across the UK whether from a local authority or contract-catered site, managed in-ho
Competitors are required to prepare cook and present four portions of a grab & go/breaktime savoury snack with a total cost per head of 80p.
During the event, LACA highlighted that free school meals funding should be increased to prevent further job losses, protect food quality and ensure every child continues to receive a hot, healthy
Rising food prices, increased labour costs and National Insurance contributions are pushing the school catering workforce to ‘breaking point’.
LACA says the future of school meals and the workforce that delivers them depends on immediate investment.
The Department for Education (DfE) has confirmed that the meal rate for both Universal Infant Free School Meals (UIFSM) and Further Education Free Meals (FEFM) will increase from £2.58 to £2.61 for
The LACA Awards aim to recognise individuals and teams who continue to make a ‘real difference’ in education catering.
Nadim and Tanya are the founders of The Natasha Allergy Research Foundation, the UK’s food allergy charity.
The programme and features planned by organisers for this year’s Main Event will address the disparities in school meals funding across the four nations.
The 2025 LACA School Chef of the Year competition, is sponsored by Bisto, from Premier Foods. Regional final winners will each receive a £100 cash prize.