The catering company has been awarded the Soil Association’s silver Food for Life Catering Mark for providing the schools it serves in the borough with “carefully designed menus, which include a selection of seasonal, local and organic ingredients”.
ISS FS Education began its service to 32 schools in Richmond in September 2011. Since then it has been working closely with the Soil Association to ensure the meals served are both healthy and responsibly sourced.
The Catering Mark scheme recognises restaurants and caterers “who serve fresh food, which is free from controversial additives and better for animal welfare”.
The Food for Life Catering Mark is a response to the increasing interest among clients and customers about where their food comes from and how it has been produced.
The bronze, silver and gold tiers offer a step-by-step route to serving more freshly prepared, locally produced, seasonal and organic food. Caterers with the silver Catering Mark use a range of organic and locally produced ingredients.
Matthew Paul, head of school commissioning for Richmond Council, said: “ISS are delivering high-quality, tasty meals to the children and staff in our schools, and this accreditation independently verifies that the ingredients of the meals are sustainably and ethically sourced.
“When we drew up the specification, we – the council, schools and parents – were very keen to procure such a service and it is marvellous to see that our requirements have been fulfilled.”
Mark Davies, divisional director at ISS FS Education added: “We’re thrilled that our commitment to serving fresh and delicious food to schools in Richmond has been recognised by the silver Food for Life Catering Mark.
“We hope that the children will enjoy their new menus and will be encouraged to question where their food comes from.”