Cheshire East Council has been forced to close a council-run school meal service due to ‘significant budget pressures’.
Fresh, which provides lunches and snacks to 87 schools and employs about 270 people, has been operating at a loss in recent years and last year required a subsidy of over £500,000.
Cllr Carol Bulman, lead member for children and families, said there had been ‘increasing pressure’ on the council’s catering service budget due to food and transport inflation.
Pay rises have also impacted on running cost and staff recruitment and retainment.
‘Regrettably, like many other councils across the country, Cheshire East Council has decided to cease its school meals service by April 2025,’ Cllr Bulman said.
‘The council will continue to provide support to staff and schools to ensure a smooth transition to the new arrangements and to ensure minimum disruption to the service.’
