The new seven year contract starts in September 2022 and will see the enhancement of the prep school kitchen servery and a new dining facility added to the current catering facilities. Sodexo provides breakfast, lunch and dinner for both the senior school which has 1,000 students and the 250 pupils at the prep school located a few miles away.
Sodexo rolled out its evidence-based Powering Performance programme for independent schools which earlier this year was enhanced through the Healthy Futures Partnership, a collaboration between Sodexo and the British Nutrition Foundation.
Steve Hawkins, managing director, Sodexo Schools UK & Ireland said: “Our Powering Performance programme has been developed to inspire young people to make informed, healthier and more sustainable food and drink choices and is empowering our chefs to support good nutrition across the school day with healthier recipe guidelines, bespoke training and school-based engagement activities.
“We have thoroughly enjoyed working and growing with the school over the last 15 years and are proud of all we have achieved together. This next contractual term brings with it some incredibly exciting times and we look forward to continuing to work in a strategic and trusted partnership.”
The new improved programme uses the results of research undertaken by the British Nutrition Foundation with seven schools and frames the programme under four pillars: sustain, focus, strength and replenish.
The pillars help to frame and communicate healthy eating messages. Each of the pillars has their own ‘hero’ ingredients that provide essential nutrients which support young people’s health and wellbeing.
Justin Hodges director of finance and operations at Abingdon School, added: "It is of great importance to us that our students enjoy healthy, sustainable and tasty school meals every day. Over the past 15 years, the Sodexo team has demonstrated a commitment to the continuous improvement and innovation of our catering provision. They have become a trusted partner and we are looking forward to further building upon this relationship in the years to come."