It’s the only council caterer in the country to achieve a gold award in the ProVeg School Plates Awards - a national accreditation scheme recognising nutritious and eco-friendly menus. It is one of only two gold awards issued in the UK.
The ProVeg School Plates Awards launched in 2023 and aim to set the standards for low-carbon menus across UK schools. The awards are designed to recognise the positive steps taken by caterers to create healthier, climate-friendly menus.
To be eligible for an award, caterers must take steps to promote plant-based school meals, which produce significantly less carbon than meat-based dishes. The dishes must be nutritionally-balanced and tasty, while also encouraging children to opt for more sustainable choices at lunchtime.
Alex Jemison, School Plates Awards coordinator at ProVeg UK, said: “We’re thrilled to acknowledge the incredible work that Waltham Forest Catering is doing to create healthier and more sustainable menus. Not only are they actively improving children’s health, they are also protecting their future.
“In the midst of a global climate crisis, reducing food emissions has never been more pressing, so it’s heartwarming to see how much effort and care has gone into this wonderful example of a gold-standard, plant-powered, and climate-friendly menu.”
Waltham Forest Catering serves around 15,000 meals a day and caters for over 49 schools across the borough. Dishes include Planet Pizza Wedge with Skin On Fries, Smokey Campfire Casserole with Diced Potatoes and Sri Lankan Sweet Potato & Coconut Curry with Mixed Rice, all available alongside a salad-counter.
James Hughes, head of Waltham Forest Catering, added: “Our catering service is committed to providing the most inclusive service possible. Working in partnership with ProVeg has definitely been a benefit to all pupils. As the only council caterer in the country to retain the gold award we can look forward to continually serving our pupils healthier meals.”
Waltham Forest have two planet-friendly food days every week, helping children to make the connection between their food and its impact on the planet. ProVeg UK is currently working with 91 major catering partners across the UK through its School Plates programme, covering over 8,000 schools.
Since the programme launched in 2018, the non-profit has helped turn tens of millions of school dinners meat-free or plant-based while developing tasty, nutritious and sustainable menus. All UK schools can participate in The ProVeg School Plates Awards for free. To learn more, visit: ProVeg UK’s website.