LARDER CYMRU unveiled an ambitious new Street Food Concept that will transform
the look, feel, and flavour of secondary school meals across Wales.
Designed to bring a modern, high-street dining vibe into school canteens, the programme –
delivered by Menter Môn – blends convenience, fresh Welsh produce, and sustainability,
making healthy choices more appealing to students while strengthening local food supply
chains.
Piloted in schools across five local authorities – Gwynedd, Caerphilly, Rhondda Cynon Taf,
Torfaen, and the Vale of Glamorgan – the project allows each area to tailor the concept to its
own communities.
Modular food stations, grab-and-go options, street-style specials, and fresh salad boxes
create a more student-friendly environment, boosting both uptake and engagement. Early
feedback shows the high street aesthetic resonates with young people, helping to shift
perceptions of school dining.
“This project is a fantastic opportunity to connect Welsh producers with schools and
showcase the quality of our local food,” said David Wylie, Project Manager at Menter Môn.
“We’re proud to support a new concept of delivering school meals that’s both exciting and
sustainable. It’s about creating a food offer and experience that students enjoy, while also
strengthening our local economy.
“The Street Food Concept builds on years of work developing local supply routes, supporting
farmers, and helping schools reduce their carbon footprint through smarter procurement.”
The Street Food Concept forms part of Larder Cymru’s wider mission to increase Welsh food
procurement in the public sector, reduce food miles, and ensure more local producers
benefit from school and public-sector contracts.
The programme’s ongoing work with growers, processors, and catering teams has already
helped shorten supply chains, introduce more seasonal produce, and embed sustainability at
the heart of school food.
Alongside the street-food rollout, Larder Cymru has delivered producer-to-school supply
pilots and collaborated with catering teams to reformulate menus using more local
ingredients.
Classroom ‘field-to-fork’ sessions and farm visits have helped pupils understand where food
comes from and why sustainability matters, ensuring the benefits of the scheme extend far
beyond the canteen.
Momentum is already building. In Gwynedd, a recent campaign encouraged more local food
businesses to join the school supply chain, strengthening the region’s food economy while
expanding choice for learners.
Rhian Hughes, Education Catering and Cleaning Service Manager at Gwynedd County
Council, said: “The Street Food Concept celebrates Welsh produce and gives us a fresh way
to engage students with healthy eating. It’s a positive step forward for school catering in
Gwynedd, and we’re excited to see how it evolves from piloting activity at Ysgol Friars in
Bangor.”
Shelly Toms, Operations Supervisor at Caerphilly County Borough Council, added: “We’re
excited to be part of a project that brings innovation to school meals. The Street Food
Concept offers flexibility and variety, helping us meet the needs of our students while
supporting local suppliers. It’s a win-win for schools and communities.”
For more information, visit the website www.lardercymru.wales or email
david@mentermon.com. Follow Menter Môn on social media for updates and behind-
the-scenes content.
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