True North Food Consultants partners with schools through a clear, honest process built on listening, flexibility, and genuine support.

Start With a Free Consultation

Finding Your School's 

Food Service Path

A Guide for Schools Considering Change

START HERE

Is your current food service meeting your community's needs?

NO

(We need change)

Arrow Down Long

YES 

(Current service is working well)

Arrow Down Long

How urgent is the situation

Great! But stay connected:

Not Urgent

 (Exploring options / Planning ahead / Contract has time)

Urgent

(Contract ending soon / Serious quality issues / Parent uprising)

  • Join School Food Collective as supporter (share knowledge, connect with peers)
  • Reach out if situation changes
  • Consider True North for periodic reviews/optimization

Arrow Down Long

NO

Arrow Turn Up

FAST PATH: 

Find interim independent caterer 

(3-6 months)

  • True North helps identify vetted operators
  • Quick handover with SFC network support
  • Transition to full independence later if desired

Do you have a kitchen

Arrow Turn Down

YES 

TEMPORARY SOLUTION: 

Negotiate short-term extension with current provider

  • Add performance improvement clause
  • 6-month exit option
  • Use time to plan permanent solutio
  • Meanwhile: Explore kitchen build/renovation options

Arrow Down Long

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PHILOSOPHY 

(Want ethical sourcing, fresh preparation, community connection)

This is what independent operations excel at!

→ Follow Path C: Build Independent Operation 


Why independence matters:

• Direct relationships with local, ethical suppliers

• Menu flexibility to honor your community's diversity

• Profits reinvest in quality, not corporate shareholders

• Accountability to your community daily

Arrow Turn Up

Arrow Turn Up

What’s your main concern

Arrow Down Long

COST 

(Need lower prices or better value)

Reality Check:

Independent operations can be cost-competitive with corporate caterers

But require investment in setup

Savings come from: no corporate overhead, local suppliers, efficient operations


Path Forward:

Follow Path B (Find Different Caterer) or Path C (Build Independent) if viable

Or Path A (Improve Current) with cost controls in negotiation"

Arrow Turn Up

Arrow Turn Down

QUALITY/VARIETY 

(Food quality, menu diversity, dietary accommodations)

DIFFERENT CATERER

Independent quality without building your own operation)

INDEPENDENCE 

(Want control, community focus, profit stays local)

PATH A

Improve Current Provider

PATH B

Find Different Caterer

PATH C

Build Independent Operation

 Renegotiate contract with performance standards and accountability

  • Add performance improvement clause with clear metrics
  • Establish grievance process and accountability measures
  • Include 6-month exit clause if improvements don't materialize

Timeline: 1-3 months to renegotiate

True North Support: Help draft new contract terms, set metrics, monitor compliance

Cost: Free consultation + optional ongoing monitoring support


→ If improvements fail: Move to Paths B or C

Full transition to running your own independent school food service

  • True North 2-year partnership support (¥200k/month, month-to-month)
  • We guide you through: kitchen setup, staff recruitment & training, menu development, supplier connections, systems implementation
  • Your staff train hands-on at YIS kitchen
  • Free School Food Collective membership included

Timeline: 3-4 months

True North Support: Identify candidates, facilitate introductions, support transition

Cost: Varies by caterer chosen


Best For: Schools wanting independence and quality without running their own operation

Connect with vetted independent operators who can serve your school

  • True North helps identify and vet independent caterers
  • Connect with School Food Collective network
  • Support the transition and handover process
  • Find a caterer that matches your values and budget

Timeline: 9-12 months to full launch

True North Partnership: ¥200,000/month (month-to-month, end when you're ready)

Includes: Free SFC membership, unlimited support, staff training at YIS


Best For: Schools with 200+ students, budget flexibility, commitment to independence


Why independence matters:

  • Direct relationships with local, ethical suppliers
  • Menu flexibility to honor your community's diversity
  • Profits reinvest in quality, not corporate shareholders
  • Accountability to your community daily

Ready to explore your options?

Schedule a free consultation or if you still have questions? Contact us—with no pressure and no obligation.

Say Hello 

“We have a clear vision that every child has a right to good, wholesome school food and that food poverty will one day be a thing of the past.”

— Jeanette Orrey

Co-Founder of our Food for Life programme.

Email: hello@truenorthfoodconsultants.com

© 2025 True North Food Consultants. Part of Harbour View Services.