School caterers can now start planning for this year’s National School Meals Week (7-11 November), which is focusing on green issues. School caterers across the country are working hard to lessen the impact we, as an industry, have on the planet. LACA is encouraging as many school caterers as possible to get involved in activities during the week. LACA chair Brad Pearce said, “We know school meals have such a positive effect on children’s attainment and development, but school caterers are also making a huge impact on green issues, lessening their impact on the planet as together. 'We tackle environmental issues such as reducing food waste, reducing food miles and increasing the amount of plant-based foods children eat.” LACA are encouraging students to make a pledge to help the environment. Fact sheets and a pledge certificate can be found in the resource section along with other activities. All resources can be found here: https://www.lacansmw.co.uk/resources/. The five themed events include: 1. Together, we make a difference launch: A fun NSMW 2022 launch day promoting your activities for the week 2. Go green lunch: A day to showcase plant-based menus and what you are doing to get children to engage and eat more 3. Our local lunch: A roast dinner day showcasing the best of local British produce, reducing food miles 4. Eat more, waste less: A day to educate children on reducing food waste, recycling and composting. Can you create a low energy lunch? 5. VIP Day: Whether you are inviting a VIP or local MP for lunch or just saying thank you to your staff a day of celebrating. All school caterers are VIPs. (source: LACA, image: pexels)