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With the start of the new school year just around the corner, the employees of Anse Caraïbes are getting ready for the new school year with peace of mind. Firstly, because the company has won the contract to manage Gustavia's school canteen for the next four years. But also because new developments await the canteen's young clientele.
For several years now, the management of Anse Caraïbes has been gradually integrating organic products into its menus. Nevertheless, as the new school year gets underway, Ludovic Questel and his teams are delighted to announce that the range of these products has been greatly extended. "New obligations have been imposed by the Egalim law (Law of October 30, 2018 for balanced trade relations in the agricultural and food sector and healthy, sustainable food accessible to all, ed. note)," stresses the Anse Caraïbes manager. So we took them in stride to meet the requirements. "
"We're back on track
Similarly, the company has turned more to regional productions. We already had some," insists Ludovic Questel, "and we made an effort last year with products from Guadeloupe, Saint-Martin and the Dominican Republic. "This effort goes hand in hand with a desire to offer new menu items featuring products from sustainable farming and rearing. For example, we use free-range red label chickens, and French and European beef, which meets more stringent standards than beef imported from the USA. "That's not to say we weren't doing it before," insists Ludovic Questel.
For this expanded organic service, it goes without saying that the budget has taken on a few curves. But we're on track," assures the Anse Caraïbes manager. We have to be aware that finding and bringing in quality organic produce in large quantities isn't easy. "Nor is offering a vegetarian menu to pupils on a regular basis. "Because the range isn't that wide," remarks Ludovic Questel. On the other hand, local fish will continue to feature prominently in the canteen. "Like everything else we can get before we think about bringing it in from the other side of the world", says the director.
Over 400 place settings under the old terrace
For the start of the new school year, the canteen should also benefit from a renovated structure. Admittedly, work on the dining room is still underway in the middle of this week. But the concrete deck is ready, and railings have been installed. All that remains is the roof, which has yet to be fitted. "The new concrete terrace will ensure that we don't lose as many covers as before", says an employee. After all, when the previous decking was dismantled, over 400 place settings were found! The result of clumsiness or, just as surely, play on the part of schoolchildren.
"We're fully committed to the clean-up and everything will be ready for September 1," assures Ludovic Questel. It's a good thing the 24-strong Anse Caraïbes teams are. Because the pace is fast, with almost 1,200 meals served every day. Around a thousand of these are for schoolchildren alone. "We continue to provide meals-on-wheels for the elderly, keeping in regular contact with families to adapt the menu to their needs," explains Ludovic Questel, who adds: "We're proud to be taking over the canteen service for another four years. We reach a whole section of the population, from the youngest to the oldest. We'll do our utmost. "In particular, we will continue to offer an individual support plan (PAI) to children who develop allergies or intolerances to certain foods. "This is not compulsory in canteens," says the manager. The company even has an employee specially trained in PAI. Not to mention that menus are drawn up in collaboration with a registered dietician.
At the canteen, the start of the new school year will be organic and regional. With a Taste Week at the beginning of October, there will be plenty of surprises in store for the pupils.
