Technology is playing an active role in modernising the school catering landscape. From innovations that reduce wait times to empowering parents and pupils to make healthier and more personalised meal choices, schools are integrating these innovations to foster a more inclusive environment where healthy eating is a shared responsibility. Explore how these advancements are shaping the healthy school lunch experience.
Digital solutions transforming school catering
Digital Meal Ordering and Payment System
Digital platforms and mobile apps are reducing wait times and improving accuracy, significantly enhancing the overall dining experience for pupils. Parents and pupils can view menus, customise meals, and pre-order. Additionally, these digital ordering systems ensure anonymity for those receiving free school meals (FSM).
Accuracy of Special Dietary Needs
Detailed information about menu items and ingredients allows for quick updates, empowering parents and pupils to make informed decisions while providing the versatility to customise meals. This functionality proves particularly useful when ordering special dietary options, including allergen-free, vegan, vegetarian, kosher, or halal meals.
Instant Feedback
Digital platforms and apps facilitate open, effective, and rapid communication among parents, pupils, school staff, and administrators. Instant feedback allows school caterers to address and resolve issues without delay and enables effective communication.
Benefits for Schools
- Digital systems eliminate the need for schools to collate meal numbers and daily breakdowns of free school meals (FSM) and Universal Infant Free School Meals (UIFSM) for daily submission.
- They promote inclusivity by offering school meals that cater to various dietary needs and preferences.
- Schools gain greater confidence in their allergen management processes, ensuring safer meal options for all students.
- Improved communication between parents and caterers minimises the need for staff intervention, streamlining operations and enhancing service.
Award-winning technology for school catering by AiP
At AiP, we prioritise creating a seamless and enjoyable dining experience for primary school pupils and their parents. Our School Food United platform is an award-winning online payment and ordering system designed to streamline and secure the school meal ordering process. It ensures that dietary requirements are accommodated and helps minimise food waste. Since our launch, we’ve created over 42,000 pupil profiles and served 7 million meals—with half of those in the last year alone!
With an impressive 83% parent registration across schools, we’re making meal pre-orders simpler and faster. Notably, 40 schools have achieved an impressive 90%+ registration rate, and 7 schools have achieved 100% parent registration.
Get in touch with us to integrate this interface in your school and make school food more convenient.