Mr Patsy McGlone (Mid Ulster): To ask the Minister of Education to detail any steps being taken to ensure that food on school menus is locally sourced.
Minister of Education: The Education Authority (EA) is operationally responsible for the provision of school meals in controlled and maintained schools. The EA seeks to maximise opportunities for local suppliers, including small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), to participate in the procurement of food for school meals. The EA undertakes extensive market engagement and publicly advertises tender opportunities, which are open to all eligible suppliers. Tender documentation is structured, where appropriate, to minimise barriers to SME participation.
While EA encourages local supplier participation, the availability and sale of locally produced food are commercial matters for producers and suppliers and are influenced by wider market conditions. EA must therefore balance opportunities for local supply with the need to secure the volumes required to ensure continuity of school meal provision.
All food supplied to EA must meet the relevant procurement requirements and applicable standards for food quality, safety, hygiene and traceability. EA will continue to engage with the market and encourage participation from local producers and SMEs through open and competitive procurement processes.
ENDS
