The PSC100 Group has asked for reassurance from the Government that public food services will be prioritised in all food policy decisions in the coming year and beyond.

The PSC100 was formed in 2009 and is an alliance of public sector organisations that deliver catering services within schools, colleges, universities, hospitals, care homes, prisons and the armed forces across the UK.

Between them they deliver more than 2bn meals a year, serving up to 15m people on a typical weekday.

Matthew White, chair of the PSC100 Group said in the letter, “Each year our professional collective comes together to discuss topics of mutual interest, best practice, and workforce support.

'This year, at our annual round table event hosted at the Palace of Westminster, we discussed the multiple challenges our organisations face as public food services. As a result of those discussions members felt it was important to write to you with our concerns.”

With food price inflation running at over 9%, nearly 90% of education caterers according to research are citing issues recruiting catering staff and food supply issues challenging all caterers to adapt at a moment’s notice.

Matthew added, “We believe that means investment, not only in terms of daily allowances to provide meals, but also in terms of attracting good people into our industry and retaining them.

'The public sector is a fantastic place to work, and with more Government support to help promote catering careers in it we know our valuable services can do more to support the economy and wellbeing of UK citizens.”

The PSC100 Group said they would welcome a meeting with the chief officers responsible for public sector food and UK food security. Members of the PSC100 Group have expertise and insights to offer as well as an understanding of the current frontline challenges and the solutions to them.

The letter also invited a Government political representative to join the PSC100 Group when it meets at the House of Commons in December for the Public Sector Catering Top 20 round table discussion. The letter has also been copied in to Rishi Sunak and Elizabeth Truss.

The letter was signed by influential figures of the PSC100 Group, including:
Jacquie Blake, chair, LACA – The School Food people
Molly Shaher, chair, Professional Association for Catering Education
Phil Rees-Jones, chair, The University Caterers Organisation
Jayne Jones, chair, ASSIST FM and vice chair of the PSC100 Group
Sue Cawthray, chair, National Association of Care Catering
Brian Robb, chair, Hospital Caterers Association

(source: LACA, image: Government)