Our Story

The School Food Collective was born from frustration—and hope.

We've spent over 30 years combined in school catering, and 60+ years in hospitality. We've seen firsthand what happens when large corporate caterers sweep up school food contracts across Asia: minimal investment, maximum profit extraction, and food quality that barely meets the minimum standard. We've heard the stories from students and teachers across international schools in Japan and beyond—stories that shouldn't be happening in schools charging premium tuition.

The contrast was stark. In our own school kitchen at Yokohama International School, we're part of the school tour for prospective families. We have our own page on the school website. We listen to our community because we're accountable to them every single day—they're the only reason we're there.

Meanwhile, at schools run by corporate caterers, you often struggle to find any information about the food program on their website. That tells you everything you need to know.

We realized that independent school caterers face real challenges—especially with suppliers who favor the big players, and the isolation of working alone. But we also knew that independence is our strength: we keep profits within the school community, we answer directly to families, and we're in our kitchens every day, not in corporate boardrooms.

So we created the School Food Collective—a network where independent operators can support each other, share resources, and prove that you don't need to be a multinational corporation to deliver exceptional school food.

What We Believe

Children deserve better than the bare minimum. They deserve meals prepared with care by people who are present, accountable, and committed to their community.

Independent school catering isn't just viable—it's superior. When your only focus is one school, when your success depends entirely on satisfying that community, and when profits stay local rather than flowing to corporate headquarters, everyone wins. Except perhaps the shareholders.

We believe schools shouldn't have to choose between quality food and operational support. The School Food Collective provides the network, standards, and supplier connections that help independent caterers thrive.

Our Vision

We're starting in Japan with schools we know and trust. But our vision extends across Asia and beyond—building a movement of independent school caterers who prove that small operators, working together, can deliver what corporate caterers cannot.

We dream of a future where schools feel confident giving up their corporate contracts, knowing there's a community ready to support them in becoming independent. Where profits stay in school communities. Where caterers are valued partners in education, not invisible contractors. Where every school's website proudly showcases their food program.

This isn't about us—it's about the children, the schools, and the communities we serve.

Get In Touch

Whether you're an independent caterer ready to join, a school considering the transition to independence, or a supplier who shares our values, we'd love to hear from you.

Email: hello@schoolfoodcollective.org

We aim to respond within 48 hours and look forward to the conversation.