The award recognises caterers who serve school meals that are not only delicious but good for health, nature and the climate. Bury Council provides 16,000 healthy meals every school day and employs 270 staff across 58 primary, secondary and special schools.
Sharon Jarvis, senior catering operations manager, said: “Despite the problems caused by the Covid pandemic and rising food costs, the kitchen staff and management were determined to prove the quality of our ingredients and service to our schools and parents. We are thrilled to have been awarded Food for Life bronze – it means a lot to us.”
Over 1.8 million Food for Life Served Here meals are served across the UK each day in early years settings, schools, further and higher education, visitor attractions, cafes and events spaces, workplaces, hospitals and care homes.
Ruth Galpine, associate director for healthy and sustainable diets at the Soil Association, said: “Food for Life Served Here caterers are leading the way in improving food culture in schools.
“Achieving a Food for Life Served Here Award is a fantastic accomplishment and a true reflection of a caterer’s commitment to serving school meals that are nutritious as well as tasty. We know that good food is a crucial part of the school day and, with fresh, healthy meals being served, students are equipped with the fuel they need for their learning and development.”
To achieve the Food for Life bronze award, caterers need to make sure:
- Meals contain no undesirable food additives or hydrogenated fats
- 75% of dishes are freshly prepared
- Meat is from farms which satisfy UK welfare standards
- Eggs are from cage-free hens
- Menus are seasonal
- Training is provided for all catering staff
- No GM ingredients are used
- Free drinking water is available
- No endangered fish are served
- Information about where the food has come from is on display
- Suppliers meet food safety standards
- School caterers meet government guidelines for food and nutrition