Plan for healthier school meals in England will hit services, say caterers
Summary
New government rules in England aim to make school meals healthier by including more lentils, beans, and less fried food and desserts. However, caterers warn these changes could increase costs, reduce their income, and make it harder to keep running, especially with current high inflation and supply issues.Key Facts
- The government plans to update school meal standards for the first time in 13 years, focusing on healthier ingredients like lentils and more fruit in desserts.
- Dessert options will have to be at least 50% fruit, and fried foods like battered fish and chicken nuggets will be banned by 2027.
- Caterers say the new rules could make meals more expensive and cause some students to buy unhealthy food outside of school.
- Lentils and pulses, part of the plan to replace some meat, are mostly imported, which might increase their price.
- Food suppliers and caterers face challenges with supply chain issues and rising costs due to inflation and the war in the Middle East.
- The government funds £1.5 billion annually for free meals, helping about 3.4 million children, which will grow as more families qualify.
- Caterers operate with thin profit margins, ranging from about 2.8% to 4%, making it hard to absorb extra costs.
- Rising wages, fuel costs, and inflation add extra pressure on catering services already struggling financially.
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