A caterer that provides meals for schoolchildren across Warwickshire has announced that it has partnered with 'Love British Food' - a national organisation dedicated to encouraging people to seek out British food when they are shopping or eating out.  

Warwickshire school caterer Educaterers, which serves up over 120,000 meals each in over 200 schools and colleges across Warwickshire, Birmingham, Coventry, Leicestershire and Oxfordshire, has made the announcement as the summer holidays draw to a close.

Caroline Alexander, managing director of Educaterers, said: "As long time advocates of using British food on our menus, we are delighted to partner with Love British Food as they work to champion farmers and food producers across the country who bring us delicious ingredients.

"Working alongside suppliers such as The UK Foodhall, this move aligns perfectly with our aim to ensure that school lunches are healthy, nutritious, delicious and where possible made with ingredients from local farmers and producers."   

As new partners of Love British Food, Educaterers will be taking part for the first time in British Food Fortnight. Running from 17 September - 2 October 2022.

The event is a celebration of the diverse food that Britain produces. 

Alexia Robinson, founder of Love British Food said: "In the year that Love British Food has founded a new Schools Working Group championing best practice across the sector it is brilliant news that so many schools and colleges in the Midlands will be enjoying deliciously sourced British menus during British Food Fortnight thanks to our new partner, Educaterers.  

"All schools are encouraged to take part this year and it is super that Educaterers is leading the way." 

The service will be sharing information about its school menus and the range of options that are available for pupils, including daily vegetarian and vegan choices with schools ahead of the start of term.

It will be reminding parents that all Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 pupils are automatically entitled to a free school meal.  

There will also be information for parents of children moving into Key Stage 2, reminding them that their children may still be eligible for free school meals and how to check.   

You can find out more about eligibility for free school meals at https://www.gov.uk/apply-free-school-meals