Operational feeding

Freedom of information request reference no: 01.FOI.23.030422

I note you seek access to the following information:

Operational Feeding (or lack of) at Coronation: I served in the Met from 1973 to 2003 (164908). I have regular contact these days with a serving officer who was posted on Coronation Day on a Level 2 serial - not route liners. I was shocked to be told that during his very long day (0300 - 1730) his serial had no main meal - only a sandwich, bottle of water and a chocolate bar with tea and coffee available in a "welfare area".

He says breakfasts don't exist any more. Can you confirm this? If so, it seems as though operational Feeding has reverted to how it was (or wasn't) 50 years ago when I first joined up - no planned feeding centres, no snacks and officers having to find shops selling food to keep themselves alive. By 1981 at Charles and Diana's wedding, things had improved with the provision of marquees in Battersea Park serving proper hot breakfasts, and it got even better after that with proper snacks and even a second hot meal on very long tours of duty. I have found an article from 2007 in The Caterer magazine which describes what the Met Catering Service did then and it was clear that things were still just as they were when I retired 4 years earlier - great! So what has gone wrong since then? I understand a new company won the contract to provide the service in 2022 - could this be the problem? I know from my own service that proper refreshment and nourishment is vital on public order events so I would be grateful if you would explain what should be happening in 2023.

Decision

I have today decided to disclose the located information to you in full.

Please find below information pursuant to your request above.

Q1 - Operational Feeding (or lack of) at Coronation: … breakfasts don't exist any more. Can you confirm this?

Every MO6 aid requirement takes into account the impact on the officer in terms of length of tour of duty and opportunity to purchase/receive suitable and adequate refreshment breaks, however, the formal operational feeding that the former officer remembers has evolved over time to include healthier foods.
On large-scale events, a full welfare and catering provision is considered and often provided which invariably caters for a long day. This includes chilled foods, including sandwiches/pastries and other snacks. In addition, officers have the choice to source a broad range of options which in many cases can be submitted for immediate reimbursement of the full cost.

Officers are also encouraged by the Commissioner to eat within the community during a normal tour of duty and this is no different on MO6 aid.

Q2 - I understand a new company won the contract to provide the service in 2022 - could this be the problem?

There was a new catering contract in 2022 but the reduced provision of hot meals pre-dates that contract.