All schools and nurseries in East Ayrshire county council have joined a pioneering scheme to use more local, organic and unprocessed food for meals. The scheme, supported also by the Scottish Executive, costs an extra 10-15p for each of 8-9,000 lunches served on school days.

An independent report for the local authority, meanwhile, estimated that benefits such as lower food miles, extra employment and income for the local economy and reduced future health risks (especially cancers) were worth six times the project’s cost.

The ASSIST FM Conference 2019 also saw the end of Keith Breasley’s tenure as Chair of ASSIST FM, with the appointment passed on to Vice-Chair Jayne Jones of Argyll & Bute Council at the AGM. Gerry Donnachie of South Lanarkshire Council was then appointed to the position as Vice-Chair.

Commenting on her appointment, Jayne Jones said: “Over the past two years, Keith has worked very hard on behalf of Scottish Local Authorities, at a time when there has been significant change across our services. He has represented our views with the development of revised Food and Drinks Standards, the implementation of free meals for early years pupils and many other matters, and has done this with great sensitivity and by consulting with ASSIST FM members. I’d like to thank him for all of his commitment and collaborative working.

I’m looking forward to representing ASSIST FM in the coming two years of further change, and to doing so in partnership with our members. I’m also looking forward to working with other National bodies to further the representation of public sector catering and FM services as best as I can.”