Because school food matters—and so do you.
LACA – The School Food People is the only organisation that brings together everyone involved in school food, from kitchen teams and suppliers to strategic leaders and consultants. When you join LACA – The School Food People, you become part of a national movement committed to delivering nutritious, high-quality meals to children and young people across the UK.
Join LACA – The School Food People today
A Community Built on Equality and Collaboration
At LACA – The School Food People, we believe in the power of working together. Our members come from both the public and private sectors as well as those who previously worked in the sector, and we welcome:
- Catering professionals – from cooks to chef managers
- Strategic leaders and decision-makers
- Consultants and advisors
- Suppliers of goods and services to the school food sector
- Partners and stakeholders
- Organisations of all sizes – including schools, academies, local authorities, charities, and private sector companies
While we recognise the competitive nature of the service delivery and suppliers within the sector, LACA – The School Food People is a space where collaboration thrives united by the common goal of providing high-quality school food. Regardless of their role or organisation size, every member is equally valued, and every voice contributes to our shared mission.
Member Benefits at a Glance
✅ National representation – Be part of the voice influencing policy and standard
✅ Professional development – Access training, events, and resources
✅ Networking opportunities – Connect with peers, partners, and industry leaders
✅ Exclusive insights – Stay informed with the latest sector news and best practice
✅ Support and recognition – Celebrate your achievements and grow your impact
Explore Member Benefits:
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Campaigning and lobbying LACA, the school food people works with Government and Industry Associations to represent the catering in schools sector interests. One current project is protecting and increasing the UIFSM value into the next comprehensive spending review. The Main Event National School Meals Week Benefit from being part of a national promotion, boost uptake, attract new customers and retain your current ones by taking advantage of free resources and activities and being part of national media coverage. Held in November each year, NSMW gives you the chance to celebrate and promote the value of meals. With a specific website for members, where you can access free and exciting support and theme day materials. School Chef of the Year (SCOTY) Allergen Guidance |
Regional networking events Phone 0333 005 0226 to find your local regional chair for local information. Comprehensive and interactive website Which is an invaluable source of information and news about your industry. Newsletters, magazine and handbook keeping you up to date. Learning and development Easy to access on line learning for you and your team. Workforce development Setting the standards for key posts in the sector which helps to engage and motivate staff, raise morale and encourage teamwork. The standards will assist you with recruitment, selection and induction. Seminars and events Menu Checking Service Buying Group |
Included within your annual membership fee, LACA offers and organises the major events of the education catering industr
Professional Standards/Learning and Development 
The School Workforce Professional Standards clearly define the professional requirements that underpin the delivery of quality school food and the knowledge, skills and behaviours that an individual needs to achieve the best standard of performance in their job role.
E-learning packages
LACA Ltd., through Highfield Qualifications, offer and a suite of learning packages, each learner will receive a certificate on successful completion.Food Safety - Levels 1,2 & 3, Health & Safety - Levels 1,2 & 3
Manual Handling - Level 1, Allergen Awareness - Level 1
Fire Safety - Level 2, Customer Service - Level 2
There are also a number of short courses on offer
Why I'm a member
Communications
As a member you will receive legislation updates, regular newsletters, School Caterer magazine and annual yearbook providing a valuable reference tool.
How to join
To join LACA simply click here to complete the online form
Membership Grades & Annual Subscription Rates from January 2025
| Membership Grade | Membership Type | Qualification | Voting Rights | Eligibility Criteria | Fee Levels |
| Full Membership | Individual |
Management or supervisory position within multi-site organisations delivering catering services to primary, secondary and Special education establishments. LA client managers, nutritionists and dieticians |
Full at National and Regional level | Eligible to sit on Regional Committee and Board and take National Office | £110+VAT |
| Corporate | As Above Corporate membership is for at least five named members from a catering organisation |
As Above | As Above |
Fee for first five members £490 +VAT |
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| Individual Site Based | Schools/Academies with in-house provision e.g. catering manger, bursar, headteacher |
As Above | Eligible to sit on Regional Committee but not the Board nor take on National Office | £110+VAT | |
| Retired | Previously held individual or corporate membership at time of retirement | As Above | Eligible to sit on Regional Committee and the Board and take on National Office | £33+VAT | |
| National Honorary | As determined by LACA Board | As Above | As Above | Free membership for life | |
| Associate Membership | Individuals from Supplier Companies | Individuals from companies supplying goods, consultancy and other services to the industry | Members select on region to be a member of. Full voting rights. | Eligible to sit on Regional Committee but not to the Board | First Lead Associate member £360+VAT Additional members from same company £147+VAT |
| Partners | As Above The Partner Scheme includes two Associate members as one of the benefits . |
Both named Partner members can attend all Region's events, on of which has a free place. Additional Partner members (above the first two) select one Region to be a member of. Full voting rights. |
Additional members of Partner Companies are eligible to sit on Regional Committee but not to the Board as above. | Additional Partner members £147 +VAT | |
| Partner Representative Attending Board Meetings |
As above | Has a vote at board meetings. | The Representative is present as a non-executive member of the Board and is elected by Partners as their representative each year | As above | |
| Affiliate | A like organisation | The post of Chair or equivalent of a like organisation | None | None | No fee, reliant on reciprocation |
In the event of a new member, either Full Membership or Associate Membership there is a joining fee of £19 +VAT.
LACA's Membership year runs from January to December each year - Membership is renewed annually.
The renewal process commences in November with a data cleanse of the system and notice sent to all paid up lead members and individuals to seek any updates to the names, number and details of members for the following year. Pro-forma invoices are raised on confirmation of receipt of this information. A number of chaser emails and calls are made between then and the end of March, when non-payers are lapsed.
For more information contact 0333 005 0226 or email admin@laca.co.uk