The Great School Lunch 2025

LACA-the school food people (Local Authority Caterers Association), hosted ‘The Great School Lunch’ on 29 April 2025. It was good to meet to LACA representatives and school caterers about the importance and challenges of providing school meals.

LACA are the leading professional body representing over 1000 members from across the school food sector. These members are responsible for 80% of the catering service. LACA say free school meals funding should be increased to at least £3.16 per meal to prevent further job losses, protect food quality and ensure every child continues to receive a hot, healthy school lunch.

LACA’s proposed funding increase will end the existing postcode lottery, where children in England receive less funding for free school meals compared to those in Scotland (£3.30), Wales (£3.20), and London (£3).