The UK government recently announced a significant step in tackling child poverty: around 500,000 more children in England will soon become eligible for free school meals. The change expands access to children whose parents are receiving Universal Credit. This offers vital support to families facing the pressure of rising food and living costs.
At Angel Hill Food Co., part of OCS, this development reflects what we’ve long known to be true: every child deserves a nutritious meal to fuel their learning, growth, and potential. Across schools in the UK, our teams work every day to deliver wholesome, imaginative meals that go beyond sustenance, bringing joy, inspiration, and a sense of belonging to the dining hall.
Our people, leading the charge
Jennifer Brown, recently crowned LACA 2024 School Chef of the Year, exemplifies this ethos. From fermenting and pickling to growing herbs in school gardens, Jennifer uses every tool available to stretch budgets while crafting meals that are rich in flavour, nutrition, and cultural learning. For her, food is nourishment and a teaching tool — a way to connect children with the wider world.
Similarly, at Kings Norton Girls’ School, Chef Manager Andre Alto has led a transformation of the school’s catering experience. By revitalising the menu and investing in training for his team, he has improved the food offering and introduced new, cost-effective practices that are both sustainable and empowering.
Amy Teichman, Head of Nutrition at Angel Hill Food Co., underscores the urgency of this mission:
“Did you know that only 4% of teenagers and 14% of primary-aged children meet the recommended daily fibre intake, and less than 9% of teens get their ‘5 a day’ of fruits and vegetables? Providing nourishing, balanced school meals isn’t just about health; it’s about helping children to focus, learn, and reach their full potential. We all know how hard it is to focus when we’re hungry—imagine trying to learn under those conditions every day. By providing nourishing, balanced school meals, we’re not just supporting children’s health; we’re also giving them the fuel they need to thrive academically.”
On the topic of meal standards and their possibility of review, she added, “We look forward to working with our partners in education to provide more freshly prepared meals and to participate in the updating of the Government Standards for School Meals.”
OCS Foundation, supporting young people
As part of the wider OCS Group, we are also acting on a broader promise to support the younger generation. The recently relaunched OCS Foundation is focused on creating opportunities for children and young people. Our mission is clear: “children and young people should have no limits to their potential, their dreams, and no limits in their lives.” Through partnerships with charities, The Irish Youth Foundation, Brighten the Corners, Teenage Cancer Trust and Scotty’s Little Soldiers, we’re investing in education, nourishment, and opportunity.
The extension of free school meals is a policy shift we welcome wholeheartedly. But for Angel Hill Food Co., this work doesn’t start or stop with policy; it’s embedded in our daily actions, our people, and our purpose.
