By Michael Hales, CEO of Juniper
When we talk about education, food rarely makes the headline.
But in schools, the dining hall is one of the few places where every child comes together, no grades, no hierarchy, no barriers. Just a shared moment. And these moments shape the school day in ways that go far beyond the classroom: patience, community, conversation.
The People Behind Every Meal
Our teams work tirelessly to plan menus that reflect cultural diversity, meet nutritional standards, and make every lunch a positive experience. From the chefs serving fresh, balanced meals to the health & safety experts ensuring kitchens and dining spaces are safe, to our cleaning teams maintaining welcoming & hygienic environments. Every role underpins learning just as much as teaching does, and each deserves recognition.
School Lunch Skills for Life
This National School Meals Week, I’m proud to support LACA’s School Lunch Skills for Life campaign. It highlights five key pillars that show just how much school meals teach:
- Cooking Together: Pupils getting involved in preparing meals build confidence and practical skills.
- Nutrition: Balanced, thoughtful meals educate children about healthy choices that last a lifetime.
- Community: Understanding where food comes from and supporting local producers strengthens school-community connections.
- Environmental: Sustainable practices, from reducing waste to sourcing locally, teach children the impact of their choices.
- Social: Shared mealtimes foster friendships, teach manners, and nurture belonging.
Valuing People, Impacting Communities
This week also coincides with London Living Wage Week. Paying our teams fairly isn’t just the right thing to do, it directly benefits pupils, schools, and communities. When staff feel valued, supported, and proud, that care flows into every meal they serve and every safe, clean, welcoming space our pupils experience.
School meals aren’t a side note in education; they’re a cornerstone of it.
By embracing these five pillars and investing in the people who make them happen – our chefs, health & safety teams, and cleaning teams alike, we ensure that every meal educates, connects, and nourishes, shaping thriving schools and stronger communities.
Michael Hales
CEO, Juniper
#NationalSchoolMealsWeek #LivingWageWeek #PeoplePurposePlates #SchoolLunchSkillsForLife #CommunityConnection