The Barking and Dagenham catering service BD Together is celebrating the recognition of two of its school catering teams in the LACA Awards for Excellence.

The LACA Awards acknowledge individuals and teams who make a real difference to school food and education catering. William Bellamy Primary School and Eastbury Community School were shortlisted in the Primary School Team of the Year and Secondary School Team of the Year categories, respectively. 

Darren Tranter, Managing Director of BD Together, said: "Our mission is to ensure as many children and young people as possible enjoy a healthy and nutritionally balanced school meal.

"I am delighted that two of our teams have received recognition for

their commitment and high standards." 

 Both catering teams received praise for their hard work and dedication to produce healthy, high-quality food for children. The commendations recognise that both teams have risen to the challenges presented by the Covid-19 pandemic. Staff have adapted their working practices accordingly to ensure they meet strict health and safety standards, whilst still offering nutritious, varied hot school meals.

The shortlisted teams pride themselves on the relationships they have built with pupils and work closely with them to gain feedback on their menus. 

Councillor Carpenter, Barking and Dagenham's Cabinet Member for Educational Attainment and School Improvement, said: "It's vital for children to have nutritious, tasty school meals to help them be healthy, active and successful.

"I'd like to congratulate William Bellamy Primary School and Eastbury Community School for having their efforts recognised in these prestigious awards."

The LACA will announce the winners of the awards virtually on Wednesday 25 November.