Education caterer Eden Foodservice has been awarded the bronze Food for Life catering mark for a group contract in Torbay by the Soil Association.
The caterer, which is part of Initial Facilities, worked in partnership with Torbay Council to achieve the accreditation at 25 primary and special schools in the area.
The Soil Association recognises the greater use of fresh, seasonal, local and organic ingredients, high welfare meat and sustainable fish.
Eden Foodservice underwent a rigorous auditing process to demonstrate that it meets a range of criteria including freshly preparing at least 75% of all dishes on site.
In addition, meals are required to contain no undesirable food additives, hydrogenated fats or genetically modified ingredients, whilst using meat that conforms to UK welfare standards and free range eggs.
Councillor Chris Lewis, Torbay Council's executive lead for children, schools and families, said: "This is a fantastic endorsement for our schools that use Eden Foodservice. This award serves to reassure parents that their children are eating nutritious school meals, which play an important role in developing children's health, good dietary practice and healthy life choices."
"A healthy hot meal at lunchtime can also help teachers and parents by improving children's behaviour, and they set children up for a high energy, productive afternoon of learning."
The catering mark logo will appear on all Eden Foodservice menus used within Torbay schools from September.
Eden Foodservice set to retain Croydon school meals contracts >>
Central Bedfordshire council scraps centralised school meals service >>
Eden wins silver Soil Association accreditation in catering first >>
By Janie Stamford
E-mail your comments to Janie Stamford here.
If you have something to say on this story or anything else join the debate at Table Talk - Caterer's new networking forum. Go to www.caterersearch.com/tabletalk
Caterersearch.com jobs
Looking for a new job? Find your next job here with Caterersearch.com jobs
| Newsletters
For the latest hospitality news, sign up for our e-mail newsletters. | | |