1. Northern Ireland School Caterers Association FOOD IN SCHOOLS POLICY- A CATERING PERSPECTIVE Janet McAlister

2. Northern Ireland School Caterers Association The Aims of NISCA Established in 2002 following membership of LACA Promote consistent standards of professionalism at all levels of school catering To be a regional consultative body to the NI Assembly/Government To develop school catering in order to meet the ever changing and challenging demands

3. Northern Ireland School Caterers Association School Food has Changed !

4. Northern Ireland School Caterers Association It Really Has!

5. Northern Ireland School Caterers Association Service Profile Arrangements for the Provision of Milk, Meals and Related Facilities under provisions of Articles 58 and 59 of the Education and Libraries (Northern Ireland) Order 1986. Breaks, breakfast, hospitality, functions and meals on wheels in some areas. Approx. 135,000 meals served daily. 5,000 catering staff.

6. Northern Ireland School Caterers Association Service Profile 1200 locations. Uptake of meals – 56% Free school meals – 25% Entitled FSM - 81% Uptake Catering for special diets and multi-cultural needs.

7. Northern Ireland School Caterers Association Implementing Compulsory Nutritional Standards Pilot took place in 2004 involving 100 schools. Rolled out to all schools by 2007. All schools comply with Lunch Standards 2007 and Standards for other food and drinks 2008

8. Northern Ireland School Caterers Association The Challenges/Concerns Reduced meal numbers. Increased cost of production. Increased workload. Menus to suit all age groups. Increased levels of waste food. Suitability of products.

9. Northern Ireland School Caterers Association The Challenges/Concerns Training needs. Promoting the service. Monitoring arrangements. School vending machines and tuck shops Other food outlets around school. Inconsistent messages across the school.

10. Northern Ireland School Caterers Association Working Together School Councils/SNAG groups. Promotional Activities. Theme Days. Training. Meal Deals. The dining room environment. Free school meals uptake. Loyalty schemes

11. Northern Ireland School Caterers Association Engaging Parents Sending menus home. The use of the school website Bring your parent school lunch. Talks to parents and pupils at open nights. Food tasting sessions.

12. Northern Ireland School Caterers Association Supporting the Policy NISCA – Calendar of Events. September 2013 - Launch of Food in Schools Policy October 2013 - World Food Day November 2013 - American Day December 2013 - Christmas lunch January 2014 - Farmhouse Breakfast week 26th - 31st

13. Northern Ireland School Caterers Association NISCA – Calendar of Events February 2014 - National Heart Month March 2014 - International School Meals Day April 2014 - Easter May 2014 - Fruity Friday (World Cancer Research Fund) June 2014 Summer Picnic

14. Northern Ireland School Caterers Association NISCA Awards 2014. Entry submissions must demonstrate how you have implemented a Whole School Food Policy in your school. Entries by 20 th June 2014 Ceremony in W5 Odyssey Arena 15 October 2014.

15. Northern Ireland School Caterers Association Conclusion The School Catering Service recognises that it is in a unique position to influence the eating habits of children and young people. Catering staff remain committed to that aim through a Whole School Approach.