Classrooms set to be full of empty bellies

Parents nationwide are outraged as it has been revealed children are facing a shortage of school meals due to recent price increases.

A recent survey by Laca has revealed that 91% of school meal providers are experiencing shortages, with over 60 percent saying this has not improved since May. Bread, fish, cheese, pasta and potatoes are the items most affected.

Chairman of Laca Brad Pearce said: “Despite the best efforts of our members and dedicated frontline staff, the school meals industry is on its knees.

“The challenges facing our industry are set to get worse over the coming weeks and months.

“We are urging the Government to raise the FSM entitlement threshold to all children whose parents are on Universal Credit, to ensure that no child misses out on a school lunch.

“A hungry child cannot learn, but for too many children this could soon become their reality.”

Laca represents over 3,300 organisations whose role is to ensure that children get their vital nutrients from school lunches. Laca are jointly responsible for the supply of over £400m worth of food, drink and equipment to schools in the UK.

With good nutrients being a key factor in ensuring the wellbeing of children, Laca also revealed that 28% of caterers are now using more processed foods. Furthermore, almost 35% are now considering switching from British meat to foreign meat. An increase of almost 8% since May 2022.

The survey also highlighted that over half (52.2%) expect the quality of school meals to continue getting worse over the coming weeks and months.

Laca has called for the government to take action, by increasing funding per meal for both Universal Infant Free School Meals and Free School Meals in line with the current financial crisis.

Mum of three, Kate Townsend said “It’s really worrying to think that my children aren’t getting good quality meals at school, I think the government really needs to step up.”

“Everything in supermarkets is so expensive at the moment, I would at least expect schools to do their bit and ensure my children get the food they require.” She added.

The rising prices have been a huge battle for food catering companies which has led to shortages, but charging more is likely to further deepen the worry for our nation’s children.