Category: Sectors

Feeding Minds, Fuelling Futures: Why School Nutrition Matters More Than Ever

Posted on by Andrew Leedham

Food Setting the Foundation for Learning and Wellbeing

As the new academic year gets underway, millions of children across the UK are returning to classrooms with renewed energy and enthusiasm for learning. But before students can absorb that first lesson, answer that first question, or engage in that first group activity, they need something foundational: nutritious food that fuels their bodies and minds.

This is where school catering plays an undeniably critical role. In today’s increasingly challenging economic and social landscape, the food children eat at school is far more than a break in the day – it is part of their daily foundation for learning, health and long-term wellbeing.

The Link Between School Nutrition and Success

Robust evidence shows that well-balanced nutrition supports children’s ability to concentrate, retain information and regulate their behaviour in the classroom. Meals that include complex carbohydrates, protein, fibre and healthy fats help maintain stable blood sugar levels, giving students the sustained energy they need to stay alert and engaged throughout the school day. Conversely, poor nutrition – or starting the day without enough to eat – leads quickly to declining attention, low motivation, and even behavioural challenges that teachers and school leaders can see in real time. 

This insight underscores a simple but vital truth: nutrition drives learning. When a child is properly nourished, they are more receptive to instruction, better equipped for physical activity, and more ready to interact socially. This is the essential part of school life.

School Catering: A Frontline Nutritional Safety Net

For many children, school meals represent the most substantial and balanced portion of nutrition they receive in a day. In some cases, particularly for families under financial strain, these meals might be the most consistent source of nourishment available. As pressures on household budgets continue to rise across the UK, school catering companies have become an essential part of the safety net that supports families and ensures children don’t go hungry. 

This isn’t just about filling plates – it’s about providing meals that deliver essential nutrients and encourage positive eating habits. Opening students up to a broader range of flavours and foods they might not otherwise experience. Whether it’s introducing oily fish, pulses, a variety of vegetables, or seasonal fruit, the meals served have a long-term impact on dietary preferences and health outcomes.

Balancing Standards With Appeal

Meeting statutory school food standards is fundamental – but it’s not enough on its own. The real test of a successful school catering programme is whether children actually choose to eat what’s served. Achieving compliance with nutritional guidelines is one thing; making those meals appealing, tasty and engaging is another.

Working in partnership with schools, school catering companies are continuously innovating menus to strike that balance – ensuring dishes are packed with nutrients but also appealing to young tastes. This means carefully planning ingredients, experimenting with flavours, and creatively presenting food so students feel excited about what’s on offer. 

At the same time, rising food and labour costs pose ongoing challenges in maintaining variety and quality without passing those costs on. The expertise and commitment of experienced school catering teams make all the difference – helping schools navigate financial pressures without compromising on nutrition or taste.

A Collaborative Future for School Nutrition

Improving school nutrition and expanding the quality of school catering requires a collaborative effort – between schools, caterers, nutritionists, policymakers and families. Sustainable models that reflect contemporary dining habits and the diverse nutritional needs of children will help ensure all students are set up for success.

Investment in nutritious school food is far more than a line item in a budget: it’s an investment in our future – supporting cognitive development, promoting healthy habits and building resilience in the next generation. And as evidence grows around the links between school nutrition and both academic and long-term outcomes, the priority placed on quality school meals must remain high.

School Catering Companies: Partners in Learning

School catering companies are more than just food providers – they’re partners in education, health and community wellbeing. By delivering meals that nourish body and mind, they help create environments where children can flourish academically, socially and physically.

As we look ahead, one thing is clear: feeding young minds with nutritious food lays the groundwork for a brighter future – both inside and outside the classroom.

Optimising Food Service at Kings Norton Girls’ School

Posted on by lawrence riches

Executive Summary

Kings Norton Girls’ School is an all-girls academy school and sixth form in Birmingham for students aged 11–19. They welcome around 1,100 students and according to the Parent Power Guide, it’s ranked among the top secondary schools in Birmingham. Kings Norton Girls’ School appointed Angel Hill Food Co. in 2024 to revitalise its catering service, which was facing challenges such as high food costs, significant waste, low student engagement, and slow service times.

Led by Catering Manager Andre Alto, we implemented a refreshed approach focused on cost control, food quality, staff training, and student engagement. A 12-month food calendar, themed events, reduced packaging, and stronger collaboration with students, parents, and school staff helped transform the dining experience and support a healthier, more sustainable food culture.

The Brief

The food service at the school faced many challenges left over from the incumbent service provider including:

  • High food costs and significant food waste (affecting profitability)
  • Poor communication between the kitchen team and school staff, leading to a lack of motivation in the kitchen.
  • Service times were also causing delays and student-parent dissatisfaction
  • Low student engagement

The Outcome

Providing nutritious, fresh, and diverse meals in schools is crucial for several reasons,including promoting healthy eating habits and addressing food insecurity. In 2024 Clare Skinner, Business Manager at Kings Norton Girls’ School appointed Angel Hill Food Co. to revive their catering efforts.Our Angel Hill Food Co. team, led by Catering Manager Andre Alto, set to work implementing interventions. These interventions spanned the food supply chain to supercharge our service.

Andre implemented a system to monitor food expenditures. He collaborated with suppliers and the purchasing team to ensure optimal price and quality. He also trained kitchen colleagues on portion control and food preparation techniques. These measures led to a noticeable reduction in food costs and waste, improving the profit margin.

A 12-month food plan was presented to the school, featuring an exciting calendar of events to engage students and sixth-formers. The plan introduced new recipes and raised awareness around key food campaigns that promote healthy eating. Calendar highlights included Build Your Own Burrito Day and the Academy Cookery Show. Special catering efforts were also made for families attending the schools theatre performances.

These changes significantly boosted student engagement and school spirit. Overall, it not only drove sales but sparked a positive shift in school culture.

BEST Outcomes

Best Experiences: Collaborative planning with students and parents created a more inclusive and enjoyable dining experience, boosting engagement and school spirit.

Best Productivity: Delegating kitchen responsibilities based on individual strengths led to faster service, improved food quality, and greater team efficiency.

Best Practices: Introducing regular audits and aligning menus with the seasonal food plan ensured consistent quality and nutritional balance.

Best Resilience: The kitchen team adapted quickly to new systems and embraced continuous improvement, even under pressure, maintaining high standards throughout.

Best Outcomes: The combined efforts resulted in a 15% uplift in daily sales and a 91% audit score, highlighting the transformation of the entire catering provision.

Key Statistics:

  • 15% Daily sales increase.
  • 1,100 Students attending Kings Norton Girls’ School.
  • 91% Score in an unannounced WLP audit – 5-star EHO rating.
  • 12 Month food plan was introduced.

Angel Hill Food Co. Launches Revolutionary Sustainable Hybrid Burger

Posted on by lawrence riches

Angel Hill Food Co. is proud to introduce a groundbreaking hybrid sustainable burger created in partnership with flavour innovators Eat Curious and heritage butchers William White Meats Ltd.

This innovative burger combines Eat Curious’ plant-based textured vegetable protein with high-quality British beef, delivering a nutritious, sustainable and delicious option for customers in the Business, Industry and Education sectors.

Why this burger matters

Developed through our Culinary Classroom chef programme and driven by consumer insight, this burger is designed to meet both flavour expectations and sustainability goals.

Switching to this hybrid burger across all our sites is expected to save the carbon equivalent of one million car miles each year, proving it’s more than just a menu change, it’s a step towards real environmental impact.

Nutritional and environmental benefits

Every burger offers:

  • 16g protein per 100g for a satisfying meal

  • Just 3.6g saturated fat for heart health

  • 2g fibre to support gut health

  • 1.66kg CO₂e reduction per portion

  • 100% allergen free

By blending plant-based protein with beef, this burger is higher in protein, lower in saturated fat, and more environmentally responsible, without sacrificing taste.

A bold move for a better burger

We’ve gone all in – this is now the only burger we serve across our sites.

We’re evolving the burger by combining the best of both worlds, plant-based innovation and traditional butchery, to deliver a burger that’s better for people and the planet.

– Matt Vernon, Executive Development Chef, Angel Hill Food Co.

This burger is a brilliant example of how we can innovate without compromise. It’s a smarter, more balanced choice and a big step forward in how we nourish our customers.

– Amy Teichman, Head of Nutrition, Angel Hill Food Co.

Partnering for change

Our partnerships with Eat Curious and William White Meats Ltd made this innovation possible:

By combining our Eat Curious mince with high-quality beef, we’ve created a burger that delivers on taste, sustainability and future-focused eating.

– Resh Diu, CEO, Eat Curious

As a family-run butcher, this partnership allows us to stay true to our values while embracing innovation. It’s a new way to enjoy great British meat responsibly.

– Thomas White, Director, William White Meats Ltd

Customer feedback from trials

The burger has been tried and loved in schools, workplaces and catering sites:

  • Ocado – Trident Place: “The taste is spot on. You’d never guess it’s part plant-based. Great for sustainability goals.”

  • Marshalls Park School: “Packed with protein, lower in saturated fat, and still something students are excited to eat.”

  • Winterbourne Academy: “A standout product that meets the demands of both sustainability and taste.”

Coming to education sites this autumn

From the new school year, our hybrid burger will be available across Angel Hill Food Co. education sites, giving students a nutritious, high-protein, planet-friendly lunch option.

Bring the hybrid burger to your site

Want to serve delicious, sustainable meals that your customers will love? Contact the Angel Hill Food Co. team today to find out how to bring our hybrid burger to your menu.

Free School Meals Expansion Supports Angel Hill Food Co.’s Mission

Posted on by lawrence riches

The UK government has announced a major step in tackling child poverty: an estimated half a million more children in England will now qualify for free school meals, expanding access through Universal Credit eligibility. This offers vital support to families under pressure from rising living costs. 

For Angel Hill Food Co., part of OCS, this aligns closely with our belief that every child deserves a nutritious meal to fuel learning and growth. Across UK schools, our teams deliver imaginative, wholesome meals that do more than nourish; they inspire and foster a sense of belonging.

Champions of Nutritional Creativity

  • Jennifer Brown, LACA 2024 School Chef of the Year, uses fermentation, pickling, and school gardens to stretch budgets and deliver flavourful, nutritious meals that educate as well as satisfy. 

  • Chef Manager Andre Alto at Kings Norton Girls’ School has transformed the catering experience by refreshing menus and investing in team training, introducing sustainable and cost-effective practices. 

Why Nutritious School Meals Matter

Amy Teichman, Head of Nutrition at Angel Hill Food Co., highlights some eye-opening statistics: only 4% of teenagers and 14% of primary-aged children meet recommended daily fibre intake, and fewer than 9% of teens get their “5 a day.” She notes that school meals aren’t just about nutrition—they are vital for learning and reaching full potential. “When a child is hungry, learning becomes nearly impossible,” she says. 

She adds that the company looks forward to working with education partners to increase freshly prepared meals and help update the standards for school meals. 

More Than Policy – It’s Our Purpose

As part of the broader OCS Group, Angel Hill Food Co. is committed to nurturing young people in more ways than one. The relaunched OCS Foundation supports children through partnerships with charities like the Irish Youth Foundation, Brighten the Corners, Teenage Cancer Trust, and Scotty’s Little Soldiers. Their mission: ensure every child can reach their full potential. 

This free school meal extension is a welcome advance, but for Angel Hill Food Co., meaningful impact goes beyond policy. It’s embedded in our daily actions, our teams, and our purpose.

Championing Healthy Eating Through Veg Power Campaign

Posted on by lawrence riches

In March, more than 10,000 primary school pupils joined the national Eat Them To Defeat Them initiative, an award-winning Veg Power campaign aimed at boosting children’s vegetable intake in a fun and engaging way. Spanning 36 schools from Southend-on-Sea to Huddersfield, the campaign gave Angel Hill Food Co. an opportunity to promote healthy eating habits among young learners and inspire a lasting love for vegetables.

Why Vegetables Are Vital for Growing Children

Vegetables are packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and fibre that support children’s growth, strengthen immune systems, and reduce the risk of chronic illnesses later in life. Yet 80% of UK primary school children are not eating enough vegetables.

As a leading education catering provider, Angel Hill Food Co. is committed to changing this by making vegetables appealing, accessible, and part of everyday meals.

Partnering with Veg Power for Positive Change

To support the seventh year of the Eat Them To Defeat Them campaign, Angel Hill Food Co. partnered with Veg Power, a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to improving children’s diets.

We provided participating schools with campaign packs, including posters, stickers, activity sheets, and take-home materials, as well as hosting online training sessions to help school teams get involved. Our catering teams brought the campaign to life through tasting workshops, vibrant displays, and even dressing up as vegetables to capture pupils’ imaginations.

The official focus week began on 10 March, but many schools continued activities beyond that date. At one school in Shrewsbury, Veg Power representatives hosted a special assembly and filmed the event for national promotion. Sweetcorn topped the popularity list among pupils, closely followed by carrots.

Celebrating Creativity and Impact

Several of our schools also entered the Veg Power Caterers Challenge, which recognises the most innovative campaign efforts with prizes of up to £500. After last year’s success, when Redhill Primary earned a Silver Award, we are hopeful for more recognition this year.

Feedback from our teams highlighted the positive reception:

The children truly embraced the challenge, and we’re excited to keep the momentum going.

– Karen Hodson, Operations Manager

Many children tried vegetables for the first time, and we’re looking forward to more initiatives like this.

– Kate Venables, Chef Manager

Continuing the Momentum for a Healthier Future

Although the campaign has ended, Angel Hill Food Co. remains dedicated to encouraging children to eat more vegetables. Through initiatives like Junior Chef’s Club and Lunchathon, we aim to inspire lifelong healthy eating habits and provide fun, educational food experiences.

By working alongside Veg Power, we are helping to shape a healthier future, one vegetable at a time.

Get in touch with our team to learn more about our education catering services and how we can support your school.

Advocating for Healthy School Meals at Westminster

Posted on by lawrence riches

Angel Hill Food Co. proudly joined LACA’s Great School Lunch event at the House of Commons on 29 April 2025, reinforcing its commitment to healthy, high-quality school meals. Representing the company were Jennifer Brown, Catering Manager, and Rob Cass, Operations Manager, who showcased the passion, innovation, and care that go into every meal served to pupils across the UK.

Supporting the Call for Increased Free School Meals Funding

The event formed part of LACA’s national campaign to raise the Free School Meals allowance in England to £3.16 per meal. This funding increase would help schools and families during the cost-of-living crisis, ensuring children continue to receive nutritious, hot meals.

Rob and Jennifer joined catering and education leaders to highlight the importance of nutritious food for every child and to address the challenges schools face — from rising food prices and limited budgets to maintaining high nutritional standards.

Award-Winning School Chef Displays Excellence

Jennifer Brown, LACA’s 2024 School Chef of the Year, prepared and served lunch to Members of Parliament, offering a first-hand taste of the balanced and appealing meals served in schools nationwide.

Menu highlights included:

  • Mains: Souvlaki chicken, feta & broccoli quiche, sweet potato & chickpea curry

  • Sides: Greek salad, kachumber salad, savoury rice, seasonal vegetables, focaccia

  • Desserts: Chocolate & beetroot cake with hot sauce, strawberry cheesecake, fresh fruit, apple & cinnamon crumble with custard

Jennifer’s participation demonstrated the expertise, creativity, and dedication behind every school meal served by Angel Hill Food Co.

Championing the Future of School Catering

Angel Hill Food Co., part of the OCS Group, supports LACA’s mission to ensure healthy, accessible meals for all pupils. The event also provided Rob Cass, LACA Southwest Vice Chair, with an opportunity to engage MPs on the vital role of school catering teams and the pressing need for better funding.

The presence of Angel Hill at Westminster underscored its leadership in education catering – balancing quality, sustainability, and value – and its commitment to shaping a healthier future for children.

Serving a VIP Dining Experience at DHL Hub2 Launch

Posted on by lawrence riches

Angel Hill Food Co. showcased its culinary expertise at the VIP launch of DHL’s new state-of-the-art e-commerce hub near Coventry Airport. Designed to process up to one million parcels per day, the £482 million facility is set to create 600 jobs and strengthen the UK’s logistics sector. The prestigious event was officially opened by Department for Business and Trade Minister Justin Madders.

Delivering Fine Dining in an Unconventional Setting

Partnering closely with DHL, the Angel Hill team delivered a high-end dining experience in an unexpected location, cooking from the back of a lorry trailer. This transformation of an unconventional space into a fully equipped kitchen demonstrated the creativity, adaptability, and skill of our chefs.

The bespoke menu, crafted by our Executive Development Chefs, elevated the occasion and exceeded guest expectations, proving that exceptional cuisine can be delivered anywhere.

Teamwork at the Heart of the Event

Led by Senior Operations Manager Michelle McCollam, our operations team meticulously planned every detail to ensure flawless execution. From logistical coordination to on-the-ground management, each team member played a crucial role in creating a seamless and memorable experience.

Dale Spiers, Catering Business Development Director, praised the collective effort:

“From the chefs who crafted an outstanding menu to the coordination behind the scenes, every element came together perfectly. It is this passion and attention to detail that sets Angel Hill Food Co. apart.”

Client Praise for Outstanding Service

DHL eCommerce UK’s Head of Operational Support, Richard Wenham, commended the team for its professionalism, quality, and creativity:

“The feedback regarding the quality and abundance of the food was overwhelmingly positive. The planning process was seamless, and the team’s dedication was crucial to the event’s success.”

More Than Catering – Creating Experiences

At Angel Hill Food Co., we go beyond providing exceptional food, we deliver experiences that leave a lasting impression. The DHL Hub2 launch was a celebration of collaboration, innovation, and service excellence, setting the stage for future partnerships and memorable events.

Inspiring Future Talent Through Catering Work Experience

Posted on by lawrence riches

At Angel Hill Food Co., we’re passionate about supporting young people into the workplace and introducing them to exciting career paths within the facilities management and catering industry. As part of this commitment, our team in the Education Sector at North Shropshire College recently hosted two first-year catering students, Zoe and Gabby, for a hands-on work experience placement.

Real-World Catering Skills

Over two days at the Walford Campus, Zoe and Gabby gained practical experience across all aspects of catering operations. Their activities included stock and delivery management, food and menu preparation, counter service, health and safety management, and kitchen operations.

The students also shadowed Estate Chef Manager, Francesca Gilmore, learning essential back-of-house skills such as income administration, product ordering, and menu planning.

Francesca emphasised the value of the experience:

This two-day placement gave both students a clear insight into a typical day in the further education catering sector. It showcased an alternative catering career path and could be a stepping stone toward an apprenticeship or a long-term role in our industry.

Inspiring the Next Generation of Chefs

For Zoe and Gabby, the placement was both educational and motivating:

  • Zoe: “The placement was very welcoming, and I received outstanding support and guidance. I took on a variety of tasks and improved my communication skills, which boosted my confidence.”

  • Gabby: “I loved it! This experience confirmed my passion for catering as a career. I enjoyed the variety of tasks and working with such a friendly and supportive team.”

Building Careers in Catering and Facilities Management

We believe in nurturing future talent by giving young people the opportunity to explore fulfilling careers through work experience and apprenticeships. By doing so, we help to shape the workforce of the future and strengthen the catering industry.

If you’re interested in offering or taking part in work experience programmes, get in touch to learn how OCS and Angel Hill Food Co. are developing the next generation of catering professionals.

Budgeting for Excellence: Catering in Education

Posted on by Andrew Leedham

Delivering high-quality food in schools has never been more complex. Education caterers are expected to meet strict nutritional standards, appeal to increasingly discerning young audiences and support wellbeing – all while operating within some of the tightest financial constraints in the sector. Achieving excellence under these conditions requires a thoughtful, strategic approach to budget school catering, where every decision is designed to balance cost, quality and long-term value.

In today’s education environment, budgeting is not simply about reducing spend. It’s about understanding where investment matters most, planning menus intelligently and empowering catering teams to work creatively within financial frameworks that are often under pressure.

Making smarter choices with limited resources

One of the defining challenges of budget school catering is managing rising costs across food, energy and labour, while funding levels remain largely fixed. This places significant responsibility on catering teams to plan menus that are both cost-effective and nutritionally robust.

Seasonal menu planning plays a vital role here. By building dishes around ingredients that are readily available and at their best, caterers can control costs while improving flavour and quality. Careful supplier partnerships, waste reduction strategies and forward planning all contribute to stretching budgets further – without compromising the meal experience for students.

This approach reinforces a key principle: value and quality are not opposites. With the right planning and expertise, simple ingredients can be transformed into meals that are appealing, nutritious and satisfying.

Expertise that drives excellence

Few people understand the realities of education catering better than Jennifer Brown, 2024 LACA School Chef of the Year. Her recognition reflects not only culinary skill, but an exceptional ability to deliver high standards within the financial pressures schools face every day.

Jennifer believes that success in budget school catering starts with people, not price points:

Great school food doesn’t start with a spreadsheet – it starts with skilled, confident teams who understand how to plan, cook and adapt. When chefs are properly supported, they can deliver nutritious, appealing meals while still working within very real budget constraints.

Her insight highlights a crucial truth across the sector: budgeting works best when it enables capability rather than restricting creativity.

Jennifer Brown teaching the Culinary Classroom 24/25 cohort how to cook with underutilised British produce.

Investing in skills, not just systems

Training and development play a critical role in helping catering teams work effectively within tight budgets. When chefs are confident in portion control, ingredient utilisation and menu planning, they are far better equipped to reduce waste and maintain consistency – both of which directly protect margins.

Skilled teams can make thoughtful decisions about how ingredients are used across menus, ensuring that value is maximised without compromising quality. This not only improves financial performance but also boosts morale and pride in the food being served.

For many schools, investing in people is one of the most impactful ways to improve outcomes in budget school catering – creating kitchens that are resilient, adaptable and focused on continuous improvement.

Beyond the plate: the wider role of school catering

School catering has an influence that extends far beyond lunchtime. For many pupils, school meals provide the most balanced nutrition they receive in a day, making the role of caterers central to health, wellbeing and educational performance.

As a result, budget decisions carry long-term implications. Thoughtful planning can unlock wider benefits – from supporting food education and engagement to strengthening community connections through inclusive meal programmes.

Rather than limiting ambition, effective budgeting can act as a catalyst for smarter, more meaningful food provision.

Planning for a sustainable future

As costs continue to rise, the challenge for education catering will remain complex. Meeting it requires collaboration across schools, caterers and policymakers – alongside funding models that better reflect the true cost of delivering nutritious, high-quality meals.

In the meantime, the focus remains clear: skilled teams, smart planning and purposeful investment. When these elements come together, budget school catering can deliver far more than compliance – it can deliver excellence.

By treating budgets as a strategic tool rather than a limitation, education caterers can continue to serve food that nourishes bodies, supports learning and makes a lasting difference in young people’s lives.

Jennifer Brown: Crafting Culinary Excellence in School Catering

Posted on by Andrew Leedham

Delivering exceptional food in schools isn’t just about meeting standards – it’s about creating meals that nourish young bodies, excite young palates and support lifelong healthy habits. For Jennifer Brown, a leading chef with Angel Hill Food Co. and the 2024 LACA School Chef of the Year, school catering is both a craft and a mission.

In her role, Jennifer has helped transform school kitchens into environments that prioritise flavour, nutrition and engagement – all within the financial realities of education catering. We sat down with her to explore her journey, philosophy and what excellence in school catering truly means.

What drew you to a career in food and, specifically, school catering?

My journey started with a love of food and a curiosity about how it connects people. Early on, I saw dish after dish being prepared that technically met standards but didn’t connect with the people eating it. I wanted to be part of something different – food that really works in the real world.

School catering appealed to me because you’re feeding young people at such a formative stage. Schools are where taste preferences and habits are being shaped. If we get this right – if we give them wholesome, delicious meals – we’re contributing to better health, better focus in the classroom and even better outcomes later in life.

Jennifer’s progression into education catering wasn’t accidental – it was intentional. She wanted to take culinary excellence out of fine-dining zones and into everyday food that mattered.

As the 2024 LACA School Chef of the Year, what does that achievement mean to you?

It’s an incredible honour, especially in a profession where so many outstanding chefs are doing amazing work. But for me, it’s less about the title and more about what it stands for – recognition of the commitment, creativity and hard work that goes into school food every single day.

People often underestimate the complexity of school catering. There are standards to meet, different age groups to cater for, budget constraints… and on top of that, the food still has to be something kids want to eat. Winning that award felt like validation that this work matters – not just to me, but to the wider profession.

Her win has also shone a spotlight on the vibrancy and professionalism within school catering – inspiring colleagues and young chefs alike.

What does excellence in school catering look like to you?

Excellence isn’t just about technical skill – it’s about empathy and understanding your audience. When I think about excellence, it means:

• Food that supports nutrition and wellbeing

• Menus that are creative but achievable in a real school kitchen

• Teams that are confident, proud and capable

• And most importantly, food that kids want to eat.

This focus on eating enjoyment alongside nutritional value is what sets Jennifer’s philosophy apart – especially in a space where policy and practice often collide.

How do you balance creativity with the strict nutritional standards required in school catering?

You have to be smart, not restrictive. Standards exist for a reason – they protect health and consistency – but that doesn’t mean food has to be bland or predictable. The trick is combining flavour with function. For example, using herbs and spices to bring dishes alive without adding unnecessary fat or salt.

We experiment with different cooking techniques, global influences and seasonal produce to keep the menu exciting. And the best part? When kids come up to you and say, ‘Can we have this again?’ – you know you’ve struck the right balance.

Her approach shows that compliance and flavour aren’t mutually exclusive – they can be mutually reinforcing.

What are some of the ways you encourage young people to engage with food?

Engagement comes from experience. We host themed food weeks, taste challenges and learning moments where students can see, touch and even prepare food. It’s about making food education interactive.

For younger children, it might be as simple as ‘meet the vegetable’ boards or build-your-own stations. For older students, it could be nutritional talks or kitchen tours. The more agency they feel, the more curious they become – and curiosity is the best driver for healthy eating.

By making food an experience rather than just a service, Jennifer is helping change perceptions about school meals from “just lunch” to an opportunity for exploration and learning.

What advice would you give to chefs starting in school catering?

Be humble, be curious and never stop learning. Every kitchen is different – different equipment, different teams, different needs. You have to adapt, stay fresh in your thinking and always ask: how can I make this better?

Also, don’t underestimate the value of mentorship and community. Talk to other chefs, share ideas, and learn from what others are doing well. There’s enormous collective wisdom in this profession – and we grow stronger when we talk to each other.

Her advice underscores the collaborative spirit that drives much of the positive change within education catering.

What’s next for you and your work in school catering?

I want to keep pushing boundaries. Whether that’s new menu concepts, more engagement programmes, sustainability initiatives, or helping young chefs see school food as a creative and rewarding career path – there’s always something to improve.

Most importantly, I want to continue building confidence in teams. Because when the people behind the counter believe in what they’re doing, that confidence shines through in every plate they serve.

Jennifer’s vision is a reminder that excellence in school catering is ongoing – built one menu, one lesson and one happy student at a time.

Championing Culinary Purpose

Jennifer Brown’s journey and philosophy stand as a powerful example of what’s possible when passion meets purpose in school catering. Her work reflects a deeper commitment to nourishing young people, developing strong teams and creating food that is both excellent and inclusive.

As the sector continues to evolve, voices like hers help shape a future where school meals are not just important – they are exceptional.