Competitors will be tasked with creating a delicious and imaginative main meal, using at least one Quorn product alongside a 50% fruit-based dessert that should reflect school standards.
As the meat free pioneer, we are delighted to be on board, “We’ve admired this competition for years and jumped at the chance to become a sponsor,” said Phil Thornborrow, Foodservice Director at Quorn.
“Meat free is high on the agenda at the moment and we have been trailblazing its development for over 40 years. The Education sector in particular is embracing a more flexible approach to meat consumption, driven by younger generations leading the fight against climate change and rising concerns over childhood obesity.
“We do a lot of work with caterers, teachers and pupils to highlight that using Quorn on your menu can be just as delicious, and have a really positive impact on the planet by using less water and less land.
“We want to inspire future generations to eat healthily and establish sustainable eating habits by educating them on how their food choices can be both good for their health and the planet. We can’t wait to see what school chefs create!”
Quorn will be providing a demo in the new year with Quorn’s Senior Home Economist, Kate Snow, so potential competitors can find out more about Quorn to help inspire their entries.
Stephen Forster, chair of LACA said: "LACA is delighted that Quorn has chosen to support our School Chef of the Year competition in 2021. The competition has been running for over 20 years and during that time we have evolved it to reflect both school food standards and food trends. This new partnership reflects the current shift to reduce the amount of meat in our diet, which is also emerging as a major feature of school menus.
“We know school children are interested in the environment along with healthier eating and they are demanding more meat-free choices on their school menus. This link with Quorn will allow the amazing school chefs across the country to respond to this trend as they show off their skills.
“We look forward to working with Quorn and the competitors on this really exciting opportunity."
Entrants have 1 hour and 15 minutes to prepare, cook and serve a school compliant two course menu that is suitable for 11 year old pupils in primary year 6 or secondary year 7.
The 2021 competition is open to all staff that hold a kitchen-based post and who are involved in the daily preparation of pupil’s meals at the time of entry. Entries may be submitted by any school meal provider whether local authority, contract caterer, academy or free school.
Regional final winners will each receive a £100 cash prize. At the national final, the 2021 national winner will receive a £1,000 cash prize, the 2021 LACA School Chef of the Year trophy, an invitation to a calendar of catering industry events and a work experience trip. The national second and third place winners will receive £500 and £300 respectively.
To register your interest and for more information on the criteria please visit www.laca.co.uk/SCOTY . Deadline for registration is 26th February 2021.