The awards ceremony recognised schools excelling in wellbeing, sustainability, healthy living and the provision of high-quality food and nutrition.
The Food Service Team of the Year award celebrates Sodexo’s commitment to delivering tasty, sustainable, and nutritious meals that positively shape children’s eating habits. Judges praised the team for ‘leading the way in using food, innovation, and imagination to transform children’s attitudes toward health and nutrition’.
Led by manager Lindsay Turnbull, head chef Mark Wilson and supervisor Linda Mitchell alongside sous chef Karen Purves the team consistently goes ‘above and beyond’ to provide healthy and nutritious school meals.
Sodexo says the team’s commitment to excellence is reflected in maintaining the silver Soil Association certification, a mark of high standards in healthy, sustainable and ethically sourced food.
Working closely with Edinburgh Academy Junior School’s headteacher Lorna Htet-Khin, the catering team engages pupils in meaningful conversations about nutrition. Their nutrition-led workshops educate students on ultra-processed foods and sugar intake, empowering them to make healthier choices.
Amanda Vettese, senior account manager for Independents by Sodexo in Scotland, said: “I am extremely proud of the team and their dedication to providing nutritious meals for pupils at Edinburgh Academy while ensuring every service is enjoyable. This recognition reaffirms our commitment to sustainable food choices.”