Eden wins silver Soil Association accreditation in catering first

Eden Foodservice has become the first catering firm to be given the Silver accreditation Food for Life catering mark for a group contract by the Soil Association.

The company has worked in partnership with Croydon Council to achieve the accreditation, which recognises the greater use of fresh, seasonal and organic ingredients, including high-welfare meat and sustainable fish, in 96 primary and special schools in the borough.

Last year the education caterer was awarded Bronze accreditation, which required at least 75% of all dishes to be freshly prepared on site.

Simon James, managing director of Eden Foodservice siad: “We have an ongoing commitment to providing high quality school meals and promoting food education, so initiatives such as the Food for Life Catering Mark form an important part of business strategy.

“The accreditation is recognition of the hard work and dedication of our team and Croydon Council to develop an infrastructure that delivers healthy and appealing menus using only the best available ingredients.”

Allyson Lloyd from Croydon Council said: “This award is wonderful news for all pupils, parents, staff and governors within Croydon, providing peace of mind that the food served in our schools is fresh, honest and additive-free. We have worked closely with our partner Eden Foodservice to gain the accreditation, which further reinforces our position as a flagship catering operation for schools.”

A detailed auditing process was undertaken to ensure the necessary criteria for the Silver Mark is met. The criteria include serving the required levels of local, organic and fair trade food such as Freedom Food chicken and free range eggs, whilst avoiding fish that appears on the Marine Conservation Society “Fish to Avoid” list.

See photos of Caterer’s visit to an Eden Foodservice contract at Duppas Junior School in Croydon at Table Talk

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By Janie Stamford

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