The UK government has announced a major step in tackling child poverty: an estimated half a million more children in England will now qualify for free school meals, expanding access through Universal Credit eligibility. This offers vital support to families under pressure from rising living costs.
For Angel Hill Food Co., part of OCS, this aligns closely with our belief that every child deserves a nutritious meal to fuel learning and growth. Across UK schools, our teams deliver imaginative, wholesome meals that do more than nourish; they inspire and foster a sense of belonging.
Champions of Nutritional Creativity
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Jennifer Brown, LACA 2024 School Chef of the Year, uses fermentation, pickling, and school gardens to stretch budgets and deliver flavourful, nutritious meals that educate as well as satisfy.
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Chef Manager Andre Alto at Kings Norton Girls’ School has transformed the catering experience by refreshing menus and investing in team training, introducing sustainable and cost-effective practices.
Why Nutritious School Meals Matter
Amy Teichman, Head of Nutrition at Angel Hill Food Co., highlights some eye-opening statistics: only 4% of teenagers and 14% of primary-aged children meet recommended daily fibre intake, and fewer than 9% of teens get their “5 a day.” She notes that school meals aren’t just about nutrition—they are vital for learning and reaching full potential. “When a child is hungry, learning becomes nearly impossible,” she says.
She adds that the company looks forward to working with education partners to increase freshly prepared meals and help update the standards for school meals.
More Than Policy – It’s Our Purpose
As part of the broader OCS Group, Angel Hill Food Co. is committed to nurturing young people in more ways than one. The relaunched OCS Foundation supports children through partnerships with charities like the Irish Youth Foundation, Brighten the Corners, Teenage Cancer Trust, and Scotty’s Little Soldiers. Their mission: ensure every child can reach their full potential.
The free school meal extension is a welcome advance, but for Angel Hill Food Co., meaningful impact goes beyond policy. It’s embedded in our daily actions, our teams, and our purpose.
