Impact Food Group: Transforming School Meals Through IFG Catering and a Positive Food Culture

In recent years, the conversation around school food in the United Kingdom has shifted dramatically. Nutrition, sustainability, student wellbeing, and social responsibility are no longer optional extras; they are central expectations. At the heart of this transformation stands Impact Food Group, widely recognised through IFG Catering as one of the most influential school catering organisations in the country. Established to challenge traditional approaches, Impact Food Group is reshaping how young people experience food every day.

What Is Impact Food Group?

Impact Food Group, often referred to as IFG Catering, is a UK-based school catering organisation headquartered in Woking, England. Operating within the Food & Beverages sector, the group specialises exclusively in delivering high-quality, chef-led catering services to schools.

Rather than positioning itself as a conventional caterer, Impact Food Group defines its mission more broadly: to create a positive food culture and help more students eat better food. This ethos underpins every operational, culinary, and strategic decision the organisation makes.

Founded in 2018, Impact Food Group employs more than 1,000 people and serves a growing number of schools across England, making it one of the largest specialist school caterers in the country.

The Philosophy Behind IFG Catering

A Focus on Positive Food Culture

At the core of IFG Catering is the belief that food in schools should educate, inspire, and support lifelong healthy habits. Impact Food Group actively challenges the idea that school meals must be repetitive, uninspiring, or purely functional.

The organisation places strong emphasis on:

• Freshly prepared meals

• Balanced nutrition

• Student choice and engagement

• Respect for diverse tastes and dietary needs

By questioning traditional catering models, Impact Food Group aims to change how students perceive school food, turning mealtimes into positive daily experiences.

Social Impact at the Centre

Impact Food Group openly positions social impact as a central pillar of its identity. This includes responsible sourcing, reducing food waste, supporting local communities, and promoting healthier eating behaviours among children and young people. IFG Catering measures success not only by operational efficiency but also by long-term benefits to students and schools.

IFG Catering Brands and Service Structure

Distinct Brands Under One Group

Impact Food Group operates through several well-defined brands, each tailored to different school environments and needs. These include Innovate, Cucina, Chapter One, and IFG Independent. While each brand maintains its own personality and operational style, they all share the same commitment to quality, nutrition, and student wellbeing.

Tailored School Solutions

IFG Catering does not apply a one-size-fits-all model. Menus, service styles, and engagement strategies are adapted to the age group, location, and values of each school. This flexibility allows Impact Food Group to operate effectively across primary schools, secondary schools, and mixed educational settings.

Leadership and Organisational Strength

Impact Food Group is led by Richard Taylor, who serves as Chief Executive Officer and plays a key role in shaping the strategic direction of IFG Catering. Appointed CEO in October 2023 after serving as Chief Operating Officer, he brings extensive experience from B2B service industries, with strengths in business transformation, revenue growth, operational optimisation, and P&L management. His leadership supports high-performing teams, strong partnerships, and continuous improvement, ensuring that Impact Food Group maintains its focus on quality, value for schools, and the creation of a positive food culture across the UK education sector.

Strong Workforce Culture

With a workforce of over a thousand employees, Impact Food Group invests heavily in training, development, and team performance. Chefs, catering managers, and frontline staff are encouraged to innovate, refine menus, and respond actively to student feedback.

Why Impact Food Group Stands Out in School Catering

Chef-Led Menus and Quality Standards

One of the defining features of IFG Catering is its chef-led approach. Meals are designed with attention to flavour, presentation, and nutritional balance. This approach helps break stereotypes around school food and encourages students to try new, healthier options.

Value for Schools and Communities

Impact Food Group emphasises value for money without compromising quality. Through efficient operations, smart procurement, and careful menu planning, IFG Catering delivers cost-effective solutions that meet the financial realities of schools while maintaining high standards.

Continuous Improvement Mindset

The organisation promotes a culture of constant learning and improvement. Feedback from students, staff, and school leadership is actively used to refine services. This adaptive mindset has helped Impact Food Group remain competitive and relevant in a changing educational and nutritional landscape.

The Role of IFG Catering in UK Education

Supporting Student Wellbeing

Good nutrition is closely linked to concentration, behaviour, and academic performance. By improving the quality and appeal of school meals, Impact Food Group contributes directly to student wellbeing and learning outcomes.

Aligning With Modern Educational Values

Schools increasingly seek partners that reflect their wider values, including sustainability, inclusion, and social responsibility. IFG Catering aligns closely with these priorities, making Impact Food Group a strategic partner rather than just a service provider.

Future Outlook for Impact Food Group

As awareness of nutrition and wellbeing continues to grow, the role of specialist school caterers will become even more important. Impact Food Group is well positioned to lead this evolution through innovation, scale, and a clear sense of purpose.

By continuing to challenge norms, invest in people, and prioritise positive food culture, IFG Catering is likely to remain a key influence in shaping the future of school meals in the United Kingdom.

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Conclusion

Impact Food Group has successfully redefined what school catering can and should be. Through IFG Catering and its distinct brands, the organisation has built a model that balances nutrition, enjoyment, social impact, and operational excellence. With strong leadership, a clear mission, and a commitment to continuous improvement, Impact Food Group stands as a leading force in transforming lives through the power of food.

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