Catering Supplies for Schools: How Depot Helped Cut Costs

Catering supplies for schools can quickly become a major expense. At Depot Catering & Cleaning Supplies, we’re proud to help schools, care homes and catering teams save money, while keeping their kitchens running smoothly. One of the biggest frustrations we hear from school catering managers is how unreliable and expensive some suppliers can be, especially when it comes to everyday food packaging and cleaning supplies.

Recently, we started working with a local school who had run out of patience with late deliveries and rising costs. Their catering team were tired of placing orders and then waiting up to a week for items to arrive, not ideal when you’re feeding hundreds of pupils every day and managing a strict budget.

That’s when they turned to Depot.

Understanding the Challenge: Catering Supplies for Schools Can Be Costly

Before switching to Depot, the school’s catering manager was juggling inconsistent delivery times and increasing prices from their previous supplier. They needed a reliable partner who could provide quality catering disposables, food packaging and cleaning products quickly, affordably and with a personal service.

We began by reviewing their current supply list, comparing products and identifying simple changes that could save them money without compromising quality.

The Depot Solution: Smarter Catering Supplies for Schools and Speedy Delivery

Our team suggested cost-effective alternatives across key food packaging lines such as:

* Takeaway containers
* Sandwich Packaging
* Soup cups and lids
* Portion pots

By making these small but smart substitutions, the school achieved savings of up to 40% on certain regular product lines, which was a huge help for their catering budget.

But the real game changer came from our fast, free and flexible delivery service. Instead of waiting a week for their orders, supplies now arrive the very next day.

For a busy school kitchen, that reliability makes all the difference. It means no more last-minute scrambles, no wasted time chasing orders, and no risk of running out of essentials midweek.

“It’s such a relief to have a supplier who actually delivers when they say they will,” the school’s catering manager told us. “We’re saving money and everything just feels easier now.”

Why Schools Choose Depot

We understand the challenges that school catering teams face, balancing budgets, meeting food safety standards and keeping service consistent. That’s why Depot focuses on three simple promises:

1. Great value – competitive pricing on everyday essentials.
2. Reliable delivery – next day on most orders, so you can plan with confidence.
3. Personal service – friendly support from a local team who genuinely care.

From cleaning supplies to eco-friendly catering disposables, we supply everything schools need to keep kitchens clean, efficient and compliant. And because we’re a local, independent business, we can react quickly to your needs, whether that’s an urgent top-up order or advice on cost-effective alternatives.

According to GOV.UK school food standards, maintaining consistent catering supplies is key to keeping meal service safe and efficient.

Could Depot Help Your School Too?

If your school catering team is struggling with high prices or unreliable deliveries, we’d love to help. We offer free product reviews and price comparisons to show exactly how much you could save by switching to Depot.

Our friendly team can tailor recommendations for your kitchen.  From food packaging and catering disposables to washroom and janitorial supplies, all delivered fast, with the personal touch you won’t get from big national suppliers.

Schools we work with often tell us that partnering with Depot has simplified their ordering process and given them peace of mind. With next-day delivery, competitive pricing, and friendly local service, they can focus on what matters most, serving nutritious meals on time, every time.

💬 Get in touch today to find out how Depot can help your school save money and stay stocked up with everything you need, on time, every time.