LACA says the event ‘aims to showcase all that is great about school meals’ and highlights how school caterers ‘go the extra mile every day’ to serve freshly prepared, great tasting, hot school lunches in schools across the country.
The MPs were served by a line-up of champion chefs, including Sharon Armstrong (2004 SCOTY winner), Raheem Morgan (2023 SCOTY winner), Holly Charnock (2020 SCOTY winner), Jennifer Brown (2023 SCOTY runner-up) and Rob Chambers (2021 SCOTY winner).
Anita Brown, chair of LACA, commented: “With the cost-of-living crisis hitting vulnerable families the most, the provision of a healthy school lunch has never been more important. It is imperative that no child falls through the cracks and goes hungry – by not being entitled to a free school meal, but unable to afford a paid lunch.
“Thank you to everyone who has made this event happen. Without our supporters and fantastic suppliers this event would not have been possible. We would like to take the time to thank all LACA members who have given up their time to champion this event.”
The chance to put school meals on the menu at Westminster was made possible thanks to some of the industry’s biggest supporters - Sharon Hodgson MP, Diana Johnson MP and Andrew Gwynne MP.
Here is what MPs had to say about school meals and LACA’s Great School Lunch:
- Sharon Hodgson MP: "Brilliant food being served today at the LACA Great School Lunch. Parliamentarians are getting the chance to speak to school caterers about their experiences and how they ensure that children get fed hot, healthy and nutritious meals during a cost of living crisis."
- Andrew Gwynne MP: “A pleasure to join colleagues in sponsoring LACA’s Great School Lunch in Parliament. Healthy and nutritious school lunches can play a vital role in a child’s development. Thanks to the team for serving up some great food, particularly the crumble!”
- Diana Johnson MP: “It was a pleasure to co-sponsor LACA’s Great School Lunch in Parliament. Great to try a school lunch and speak to caterers about their work.”
- Christian Wakefield MP: "Free school meals are a lifeline to so many. It was a pleasure as always to sample the LACA Great School Lunch today. Miles better than I was at school."
- Lillian Greenwood MP: "A hot, nutritious and delicious school lunch is a lifeline for many families, sets kids up for learning and made this MP very happy too. Great to meet these young advocates for free school meals at LACA's Great School Lunch and thanks to the chefs."
- Chi Onwurah MP: “The #GreatSchoolLunch in Parliament showcased the best of British school meals. Thank you LACA for a brilliant event. Swapping junk food for healthy, nutritious meals will help children to reach their full potential in the classroom.”
- Marsha de Cordova MP: “It was great to attend the Great School Lunch event. Healthy and nutritional meals are essential to good education, which is why initiatives like our Mayor’s free school meals program has been transformative for Londoners. Thanks LACA for putting on an excellent event.”