The School Food People: Leading School Food Excellence
Supporting the school food sector across England and Wales.
Vision and mission Statement: "Together, we achieve excellence in school food"
The School Food People aim to set high standards of professionalism in education catering; to be the lead consultative body to the Government in delivering healthy eating policies and to equip education caterers with the necessary skills, knowledge and support which will enable them to meet the changing demands of the industry sector.
We are here to give everyone who provides catering within the education sector a voice – as well as the knowledge, resources and support to make nutritious and healthy food part of everyday life. We do this each day because great school food helps young people to thrive, concentrate, enjoy school and achieve more.
We’re not a caterer or quality assurance body — we empower those who are.
A Powerful Community Shaping the Future of School Food
The School Food People is a democratic organisation, and we want to emphasise that The School Food People is inclusive and dedicated to supporting everyone in the school food sector, everybody can contribute and is welcome. The School Food People is powered by the passion and dedication of its members across the country—many of whom volunteer their time and expertise to drive positive change in education catering.
The School People’s membership is diverse, and includes public and private sector providers, client officers, dietitians and individual schools. There are also hundreds of associate members who are jointly responsible for the supply of over £m per annum of food, drink, equipment and services to the school catering sector.
Together, we champion the highest standards in school food, working collaboratively to meet mandatory nutritional guidelines and promote the health and wellbeing of future generations. By uniting our efforts, we not only secure the future of the service and its workforce but also inspire more students and families to choose nutritious, high-quality school meals every day.
How The School Food People's Leadership Works—and How You Can Get Involved
Leadership is organised strategically, and this is how to get involved.
The School Food People has ten regions spread geographically across the UK. Each elects a committee from amongst its members and they organise local events and networking opportunities. Each committee elects a representative to become a national Board Director to represent their views and contribute to the running of the organisation.
The Board is made up of the regional representatives plus a part time funded
Business Director and a Finance/accountancy Director paid a contributory sum. Both those roles also contribute on a voluntary basis. The Vice Chair Elect, Vice Chair and Chair are elected from the regional representatives as are Chairs of three working groups. As The School Food People is a Limited Company (LACA Ltd.), each regional representative becomes a Director of the Company so, to get involved, start at regional level and make sure your regional representative is fully representative of your region and will work hard on your behalf.
Each national committee within The School Food People focuses on a specific area of strategic importance, with clear aims, objectives, and representation from across the UK regions. The four key committees are:
- Membership – Supporting and growing our vibrant community.
- Finance & Administration – Ensuring strong governance and operational efficiency.
- Events – Delivering impactful conferences, training, and networking opportunities.
- Communications & Marketing – Promoting our mission and amplifying our voice across the sector.
These committees play a vital role in shaping The School Food People’s direction and success.
The School Food People aim to be approachable and helpful with members’ suggestions. if you want to discuss any issue or seek or offer help in any way view our leadership profiles online for more information about which Board Director to approach.
Why The School Food People? Discover more about the benefits of membership
