Research: Could school meals drive economic growth and food system transformation?
Schools meals, provided for free by governments around the world, could be used to curb global hunger and promote a sustainable global food system. In a new report, “A Mission-Oriented Approach to School Meals: An opportunity for cross-departmental and multi-sector industrial strategy”, published by UCL Institute of Innovation and Public Purpose in collaboration with the […]
CATERING MONTH: Top tips for procuring the tastiest, most sustainable and economical partners
As schools, colleges, and universities face rising expectations from parents, pupils, and regulators, the process of selecting the right catering partner has become a strategic decision. To get the best value and impact from a catering contract, procurement teams must go beyond price and consider key criteria that reflect both operational and social goals. Here’s […]
CATERING MONTH: How we’re cutting food waste and carbon emissions
As schools, colleges, and universities face increasing pressure to meet sustainability targets, catering has emerged as a key area for impactful change. Procurement teams attending the Education Forum are partnering with caterers to deliver food services that are not only healthy and cost-effective, but also aligned with broader institutional commitments to reduce carbon emissions and […]
CATERING MONTH: How universities are adapting for a diverse and health-conscious generation
As student demographics and expectations evolve, university catering services are undergoing a quiet transformation. The traditional canteen-style model is giving way to more diverse, health-focused, and inclusive dining experiences – driven by a generation that prioritises wellness, sustainability, and global food culture… Today’s students are not only more aware of what they’re eating but also more […]
CATERING MONTH: How smart kitchens and digital meal planning are transforming campus catering operations
Technology is playing an increasingly central role in reshaping catering services across schools, colleges, and universities. As student expectations evolve and facilities management teams face pressure to improve efficiency, transparency, and sustainability, the adoption of smart kitchen technology and digital meal planning tools is revolutionising how education estates deliver food services… Traditionally, campus catering has relied on […]
Tips for creating a procurement strategy in education catering
By Emma Williamson, Head of Procurement at EF-group All businesses in catering should have a procurement strategy to help guide the acquisition and purchasing of produce. But more than this, the strategy must do a good job of considering all the most important aspects of procurement, including cost reduction, risk mitigation and company growth. A […]
Taylor Shaw lends support to school cookery courses
Taylor Shaw has supported a new initiative, funded and run by Agriculture & Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), in collaboration with the British Nutrition Foundation (BNF), to provide practical cookery lessons in schools and to build children’s confidence in cooking and nutrition. Research by Glasgow Caledonian University revealed that the cost of ingredients is a barrier […]
CATERING MONTH: Looking back on a decade of transformation in school catering
The past ten years have witnessed a significant shift in the landscape of school catering in the UK. Gone are the days of the stereotypical “dinner lady” serving up a limited menu of stodgy classics. Today’s school meals are a far cry from their past, reflecting evolving nutritional guidelines, a growing awareness of dietary needs, […]
If you’re a specialist in Catering for educational institutions we want to hear from you!
Each month on Education Briefing we’re shining the spotlight on a different part of the education procurement market – and in May we’re focusing on Catering. It’s all part of our ‘Recommended’ editorial feature, designed to help education buyers find the best products and services available today. So, if you’re a specialist in Catering solutions […]
Education Endowment Foundation commissions free school meals study
The Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) has announced it’s commissioning a new independent evaluation to look at the impact of the Mayor of London’s universal free school meals initiative on attainment and other outcomes, like attendance and well-being. Earlier this year, Sadiq Khan announced £130 million of funding to give all primary school children in London […]