The event brought together caterers from the public sector, local authorities and policy makers from across the food system to celebrate this milestone.
Food for Life Served Here supports caterers across a variety of sectors serving food outside the home including hospitals, care, leisure, and private sector universities, workplaces and visitor attractions.
Holding Food for Life Served Here certification demonstrates that a caterer is serving up freshly prepared, sustainable, additive-free and ethical food. Currently, over 6,500 sites hold Food for Life Served Here certification.
Prue Leith, a long-time supporter of Food for Life, gave a keynote speech. She said: “I have been a fan of Food for Life from its startup… I feel very proud of the fact that I was in there right at the start… Huge congratulations to you all I really do think you do a fantastic job, I just wish there were lots more of you and I wish we had more support from above.”
The Food for Life Served Here standards are set by an independent Standards Task and Finish Group formed of industry experts. Last week the bronze Food for Life standards were updated.
Joanne McCartney, deputy Mayor for London, added: “It is a real pleasure to be among caterers who are prioritising the health of our children. I admire your dedication. I see first-hand how food shapes the future of our children.
“Fostering a positive relationship with food at an early age is incredibly important… I’m really delighted to be here to commemorate 15 years of Food for Life Served Here. We’ve made great progress but there is a lot more to be done.”