Covid 19 Updates - March 2020 - September 2020 | LACA, the school food people

3rd April 2020
Daily Covid-19 Update
The government has announced a £3 million fund for organisations redistributing safe surplus food to those who need it during the coronavirus outbreak. - More information can be found here.

2nd April 2020
Daily Covid-19 Update
Stephen Forster, chair of LACA, is asking members to complete a short survey about the impact on caterers of the huge changes to the way schools and meals services now run.

LACA wish to draw attention to Q13 in the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - Procurement Policy Note 02/20 - How should contracting authorities ensure that a supplier receiving relief under PPN 02/20 does not also receive equivalent relief from the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) or other COVID-19 support schemes from the Government?

1st Apr 2020
Daily Covid-19 Update

31st March 2020
Daily Covid-19 Update
VOUCHER SCHEME
It is our view and also that of DfE that schools should first and foremost continue to offer food in some form through their current catering provider and that vouchers should only be used as a last resort when other options have been exhausted.

For more information on the scheme please refer to the details which are provided here.

30th March 2020
Updated government guidance and FAQs for contracts within the public sector
Daily Covid-19 Update
Weekly Members Overview
Message from Alison Frith, President, Réunion des Gastronomes - Hospitality Action Support

27th March 2020
Daily Covid-19 Update

26th March 2020
Daily Covid-19 Update
Minister for Children responds to questions on free school meals

25th March 2020
Daily Covid-19 Update
A message of hope from Magnus MacFarlane-Barrow, Mary's Meals Founder

24th March 2020
Procurement Policy Note - Supplier relief due to COVID-19
Gov.UK Guidance - Further businesses and premises to close
Gov.UK Guidance - New rules on staying at home and away from others

Contact directive for DfE: LACA have been advised that the FSM team are currently preparing an offical Q&A which is planned to go up on gov.uk very shortly. It is hoped this should include details of opening arrangements during holidays and the face value of any vouchers claimed.

The DfE will be regularly revising advice as questions come in. If any individuals have further queries, the DfE are advising that these be directed through the helpline on the contact details below, so that these can be logged and directed accordingly.

DfE Contact Details

20th March 2020
LACA sends letter to Secretary of State for Education

19th March 2020
Message of support from Stephen Forster, LACA National Chair and the NSG
Link to free school meals guidance
NGA (National Governance Association) guidance on coronavirus for governing boards