Chartwells passes £35m Lewisham school test

Chartwells, the schools catering arms of Compass Group, has been awarded a £35m deal with Lewisham Council to provide meals to 67 schools in the borough.

The caterer has been working with Lewisham since 1999.

Chartwells said it had redesigned its lunch menus to appeal to 4-11 year olds, with the introduction of food superheroes including Brains the Broccoli to promote the importance of brain food, and Doc the Kiwi Fruit highlighting the importance of immune-boosting food.

It will also continue to invest in the training kitchen it established with Lewisham Council in 2014. The community project helps people of all ages to cook and eat well.

The new contract, won through competitive tender, will employ 400 people, most of whom will be local, including three apprenticeships a year to Lewisham residents.

Chartwells managing director Robin Mills said: "We are thrilled to continue working with Lewisham. This is an important contract to us and we have worked hard to meet their specific needs and requirements. Our team have built a unique relationship with the council here since 1999, based on trust, shared objectives and mutual respect.

"I think our eagerness to support the local community and bring innovation and fresh ideas to the table, such as our free porridge breakfast initiative, all worked in our favour."

Councillor Paul Maslin, cabinet member for children and young people, added: "We are very pleased that following their successful bid, Chartwells will continue to provide a quality school meals service to many Lewisham schools."

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