Welcome

3rd April 2009, 2:31pm

This report on the School Food Summit is brought to you Thanks to support from Premier Foods. Mat Baker, the supplier's director of foodservice, offers his thoughts.

The LACA School Meals Summit provided a welcome chance for debate about the changes taking place in this sector - and if the nation had been unaware of the issues involved before, that was certainly not the case after the extensive national media coverage the event generated.

No one involved disagreed about the aims of the new nutrient standards coming to secondary schools this September. They are seen as part of a larger national effort to tackle obesity and poor nutrition.

But it is important that the people charged with delivering significant changes to school menus have a chance to discuss the challenges and their concerns.

That was why the Summit was important and why Premier Foodservice, which sees the education sector as a key area of activity, is delighted to be associated with Cost Sector Catering's coverage of the event.

Caterers faced with producing nutrient compliant menus, short lunch breaks, sometimes unsuitable dining areas and competition from 'fringe' takeaways and shops near schools need all the help they can get.

Premier's range of brands offers clear nutrient support and recipe ideas. Just as importantly, our dedicated schools team offers caterers training, information and access to a dedicated team of home economists.

We are dedicated to offering the best quality products for school meals providers. That's quite an active position because by making that call we need to work closely with local authorities and regulators to make sure our products are fit for purpose.

As a supplier, the teamwork we offer caterers can only help them meet the challenges ahead.

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