The recent launch of Nova Scotia School Lunch Program, supported by a government grant, offers a golden opportunity for school caterers across the province.

This program, aimed at providing healthy and affordable meals to more than 75,000 students, highlights the importance of quality nutrition in schools.

By extension, school caterers play an increasingly crucial role in ensuring the health and well-being of children by optimizing their food safety and sustainability practices.

Here are some practical tips to help you stand out in a field that touches what is most precious: our children.

1. Protecting food from contamination

Food safety is a top priority, especially in schools where hundreds of parents rely on school  caterers to ensure their children’s health.

Using heat-sealed packaging is an effective solution for preventing contamination risks.

By hermetically sealing meals, you block access to external agents such as bacteria, dust, or other pollutants, ensuring that each meal remains clean and safe until consumed.

2. Keeping meals at the right temperature

Once protected from contamination, it is equally essential to keep meals at a safe temperature.

By keeping your dishes below 4°C, you stop bacteria growth and preserve meal quality. Heat-sealed trays play a key role in maintaining cold temperatures and preventing contamination. 

With Solpak’s thermal delivery bags and accessories, meals stay at the ideal temperature, whether hot or cold, until served, preserving their freshness and flavor.

3. Choosing eco-friendly packaging

With the growing awareness of environmental issues, caterers must adapt to schools’ sustainability expectations. Using eco-friendly packaging is an excellent starting point.

Solpak’s solutions, made from plant fibres or pressed paper, not only ensure food safety but also minimize environmental impact.

By opting for these packaging solutions, you address schools’ ecological concerns while strengthening your company’s sustainability engagement.

4. Reducing food waste with proper portioning

Effective portion control  helps minimize food waste, a significant challenge in school meal programs.

Using containers that are well-suited to individual portions allows you to avoid excess that often ends up in the trash.

Whether your meals are transported over long distances or frequently handled, Solpak’s heat-sealed trays ensure that each portion remains intact and separate, ensuring student satisfaction while reducing food waste.

5. Simplifying logistics for efficient meal distribution

Logistics can become a real headache when delivering meals to multiple, geographically dispersed schools.

Designed to protect meals from leaks and spills, Solpak’s heat-sealed containers greatly facilitate transportation while maintaining high hygiene standards from start to finish.

Moreover, using a manual or automatic tray sealer significantly simplifies meal packaging. Distribution teams can efficiently manage meal flow while reducing the risk of cross-contamination or damage.

As more and more school initiatives promote healthy and sustainable eating, school caterers have a unique opportunity to optimize their operations.

By adopting safe and eco-friendly packaging solutions, you not only improve your operations but also meet the expectations of schools and parents.

Contact us today to discuss the best packaging solutions for you and your clients.