This year has thrown a curve ball to every part of education, even the school meals catering sector. We have not let it deter us from doing what we do best as a team here at The Big Fresh Catering Company.
When all schools shut back in March, Hub schools were set up across the Vale of Glamorgan to help key workers carry on working through the pandemic. We were tasked with feeding these pupils with a breakfast, lunch and evening snack. Our staff worked tirelessly throughout this period helping out and feeding pupils across the Vale of Glamorgan. This also stretched to feeding the construction staff at the new build secondary schools in Barry. We couldn’t be more proud of the efforts our staff displayed.
As we managed to put most of our staff on Furlough from March to September, there were a few members of staff that carried the Big Fresh flag to help out where we were needed. A new avenue opened up for us over the summer in the way of Afternoon Tea and Grazing Boards and Cake Boxes that really took off in a big way. A Facebook account was set up and within half an hour we took our first order. From this point, the orders were coming in thick and fast which we were quick to respond to and enjoyed providing our new customers with our tasty treats. It was great that we could help put a smile on people’s faces in such challenging times. This new service hasn’t stopped, we are still working hard developing new ideas to enhance our platters to give our customers the Big Fresh experience.
When schools re opened in September, we knew a new wave of challenges would appear! We are working closely with our schools to make sure we can provide a service to our customers in the safest possible way, whether this be in the form of a grab bag or a hot dinner delivered to school classroom. We are making sure all of our staff are supported in our approach to safety and providing the best service possible to the pupils and teaching staff during this tough time. We are proud of the bonds that have shone through with our schools in providing for our children.
All self-isolating free school meal pupils received a doorstep delivery of food from the Big Fresh team between the beginning of September to October half term. Food vouchers (which can be used for online shopping and delivery) are now in place for these families as they stay at home and follow WG Guidelines.
Our ideas just keep flowing at The Big Fresh and we have some extremely talented Chefs (above are Tracey Smart ‘Kitchen Manager’ & Natalie Jones ‘Mobile Kitchen Manager’) amongst our school kitchen staff that transfer their baking skills to create cup cakes, tray bakes and biscuits for themed occasions. We have recently produced these ghoulishly tasty Halloween cakes and tray bakes that were a huge hit. We are always looking for the next fun idea and the team are now working hard to perfect our Christmas delights that will be available very soon. Why not find us on Facebook and see all we have to offer or go to our website www.bigfreshcatering.co.uk. We look forward to serving you soon.