Sign E-Petition - Petition to Big Fresh Catering and the Vale of Glamorgan Council: Temporarily Suspend the Removal of Cold Lunch Options

Parents and carers of children in affected Vale of Glamorgan Schools call upon Big Fresh Catering Company (owned wholly by Vale of Glamorgan Council) to temporarily suspend the removal of cold lunch options, pending thorough and appropriate review, so that the legal, nutritional, equality, accessibility and practical implications of the decision are properly considered, and while parents, carers, pupils and schools have an opportunity to be heard. Background: Big Fresh Catering Company has recently communicated that sandwiches, wraps, and baguettes will be removed from school lunch menus after the October half term 2026. It is stated that the change is required in order to comply with the new Healthy Eating in Schools (Nutritional Standards and Requirements) (Maintained Primary Schools) (Wales) Regulations 2025, however, Parents also have reservations regarding some of the additional reasons cited, for example, Welsh Government objectives surrounding “hot” meals, and reduction of waste management costs. Key Factors to Consider: Big Fresh has stated that its initial two-week menu will not fully meet the nutritional requirements of the forthcoming regulations, despite linking the removal of cold options to the implementation of those Regulations. Hot meals are already available in Vale primary schools. Removing cold options does not increase their availability but removes an existing alternative for pupils who may not want, or are unable to eat the available hot meal. The forthcoming Welsh school-food regulations set nutritional standards; they do not require the removal of cold lunch options. Bread options such as sandwiches, baguettes and wraps are explicitly mentioned as being permitted, and can therefore be provided where they meet the applicable nutritional requirements. Big Fresh has also referred to reducing food waste and associated waste-disposal costs. This is a separate operational consideration from the nutritional requirements of the new regulations, and parents would welcome the opportunity to contribute ideas for addressing food waste. Current guidance states that learners, parents, carers and the wider school community should be provided with opportunities for engagement regarding school food and the rationale for menu changes. We do not believe the communication provided has been adequate. Welsh Government guidance provides that reasonable adjustments should be considered where a pupil's requires a special diet* means they are unable to access the standard school-food offer. It also states that Local Authorities governing bodies and schools, as appropriate, should work closely. At present, families and carers have not been provided with clear information about how such adjustments will work in practice. We have particular concerns regarding the additional burdens that could be placed on families, especially the potential impact on low-income families or those with additional needs. In any event, the Welsh Government’s core commitment in providing Universal Primary Free School Meals is to tackle child poverty and ensure no child goes hungry in school. We therefore urge Big Fresh Catering Company and the Vale of Glamorgan Council to ensure this remains the focus, whilst implementing the new regulations. To be absolutely clear, we wholeheartedly support healthy, nutritious school meals and the provision of hot meals. We are not asking for nutritional standards to be weakened. We are merely asking for appropriate, alternative options to remain available alongside hot meals while this matter is adequately reviewed. *Special diets refer to food and drink provided to meet individual needs not covered by the standard school menu. This has been defined in current and new guidance but generally covers healthcare needs, such as a metabolic condition, food allergy, or intolerance, due to an individual having a disability or where a learner is neurodivergent. It may also refer to food provided due to a religion or belief.

E-Petition closes 5pm, 30th November 2026.



Parents and carers of children in affected Vale of Glamorgan Schools call upon Big Fresh Catering Company (owned wholly by Vale of Glamorgan Council) to temporarily suspend the removal of cold lunch options, pending thorough and appropriate review, so that the legal, nutritional, equality, accessibility and practical implications of the decision are properly considered, and while parents, carers, pupils and schools have an opportunity to be heard. Background: Big Fresh Catering Company has recently communicated that sandwiches, wraps, and baguettes will be removed from school lunch menus after the October half term 2026. It is stated that the change is required in order to comply with the new Healthy Eating in Schools (Nutritional Standards and Requirements) (Maintained Primary Schools) (Wales) Regulations 2025, however, Parents also have reservations regarding some of the additional reasons cited, for example, Welsh Government objectives surrounding “hot” meals, and reduction of waste management costs. Key Factors to Consider: Big Fresh has stated that its initial two-week menu will not fully meet the nutritional requirements of the forthcoming regulations, despite linking the removal of cold options to the implementation of those Regulations. Hot meals are already available in Vale primary schools. Removing cold options does not increase their availability but removes an existing alternative for pupils who may not want, or are unable to eat the available hot meal. The forthcoming Welsh school-food regulations set nutritional standards; they do not require the removal of cold lunch options. Bread options such as sandwiches, baguettes and wraps are explicitly mentioned as being permitted, and can therefore be provided where they meet the applicable nutritional requirements. Big Fresh has also referred to reducing food waste and associated waste-disposal costs. This is a separate operational consideration from the nutritional requirements of the new regulations, and parents would welcome the opportunity to contribute ideas for addressing food waste. Current guidance states that learners, parents, carers and the wider school community should be provided with opportunities for engagement regarding school food and the rationale for menu changes. We do not believe the communication provided has been adequate. Welsh Government guidance provides that reasonable adjustments should be considered where a pupil's requires a special diet* means they are unable to access the standard school-food offer. It also states that Local Authorities governing bodies and schools, as appropriate, should work closely. At present, families and carers have not been provided with clear information about how such adjustments will work in practice. We have particular concerns regarding the additional burdens that could be placed on families, especially the potential impact on low-income families or those with additional needs. In any event, the Welsh Government’s core commitment in providing Universal Primary Free School Meals is to tackle child poverty and ensure no child goes hungry in school. We therefore urge Big Fresh Catering Company and the Vale of Glamorgan Council to ensure this remains the focus, whilst implementing the new regulations. To be absolutely clear, we wholeheartedly support healthy, nutritious school meals and the provision of hot meals. We are not asking for nutritional standards to be weakened. We are merely asking for appropriate, alternative options to remain available alongside hot meals while this matter is adequately reviewed. *Special diets refer to food and drink provided to meet individual needs not covered by the standard school menu. This has been defined in current and new guidance but generally covers healthcare needs, such as a metabolic condition, food allergy, or intolerance, due to an individual having a disability or where a learner is neurodivergent. It may also refer to food provided due to a religion or belief.

E-Petition closes 5pm, 30th November 2026.



Petition to Big Fresh Catering and the Vale of Glamorgan Council: Temporarily Suspend the Removal of Cold Lunch Options

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