Andy Lidster from The John Wallis CoE School, Impact Food Group, is one of the three finalists for LACA’s Grab ‘N’ Go Challenge. The competition, which is sponsored by SchoolGrid, is taking place at the LACA Main Event on the 8th July 2025.
In the final, competitors are required to prepare cook and present four portions of a grab & go/breaktime savoury snack with a total cost per head of 80p. Andy will create Vegan bao buns with pulled jackfruit.
First place will receive £500, plus a £500 set of Wüsthof professional chef’s knives donated by SchoolGrid. The overall winner will demo their winning dish at the LACA LIVE demo on Wednesday 9th July.
Andy has been a school chef for 16 years and his career includes working as Chef de Partie for the prestigious girl’s school Benenden, and cooking for celebrities and politicians at Leeds Castle.
He comments: “I embrace challenges and continuous learning, which eventually led to becoming a head chef. I never expected to compete in culinary competitions but making it to the Grab ‘N’ Go final has become a career highlight, with winning being my ultimate goal.”
Dugald Curtis, CEO SchoolGrid and sponsor adds “The standard of dishes presented at the cook-off was exceptionally high, and it has been a great showcase for the remarkable skill and dedication of those working in the sector. Congratulations to all the chefs who reached the cook-off and to Andre, Nerinder and Andy for securing a place at the national final in July.”
To watch the three finalists in action, register for the free-to-attend School Food Show.
