The mark, awarded by the Soil Association, provides a unique guarantee that Aramark’s food at the site is fresh, free from controversial additives such as aspartame and MSG, and free from GM and trans fats. It also means that all eggs used on site are free range, and that all meat is from animals farmed to British animal welfare standards.
Aramark’s Askham Bryan team is also certified to sell Marine Stewardship Council fish, and doesn’t serve fish on the Marine Conservation Society’s ‘Fish to Avoid’ list.
Askham Bryan is a specialist land-based college, where its agricultural expertise and links to local agricultural communities mean that food provenance is an important aspect of its operations, and Aramark has provided food service to students and staff at the college’s York campus since 2001.
Fiona Martin, Aramark’s client relationship director – education, commented: “Many people are demanding healthier meal choices and asking for reassurance about where food comes from. The Food for Life Catering Mark we’ve received at Askham Bryan shows that we provide trustworthy, sustainably sourced and traceable food which is better for people and the planet.”
Ian Harmer, deputy principal at Askham Bryan College, added: “Achieving the Bronze Food for Life status reflects a strong commitment to ensuring the college serves healthy, sustainable and nutritious food to its students. The granting of the Mark shows how Aramark’s catering operations align with the college’s wider sustainability agenda.”