School meal provider Caterlink has said food items including tomatoes, cucumbers and lettuce are not available to use in school meals because of ‘extreme shortages’, it was reported by The Independent. According to an email sent by Caterlink, which was seen by The Independent, some fruit and vegetables will won’t available for two weeks from 1st March. Onions, aubergines and fresh peppers are also unavailable due to recent cold temperatures and last summer’s drought. Neil Fuller, manager director of Caterlink who provide more than one million meals across 1,300 schools a week told The Independent: “We’re experiencing shortages and increased costs of some fresh fruit and vegetables. We continue to ensure all schools have access to fruit and vegetables as part of balanced menu options. (source: LACA, image: pexels)