THURROCK Council’s school catering service has won the Gold Food for Life Catering Mark for serving fresh and healthy meals in 31 of the borough’s primary schools
The in-house catering provider has been awarded the Soil Association’s mark for its school meal provision – serving more than 7,000 meals a day.
The award is the association’s highest accolade in its accreditation scheme, and provides an independent endorsement that local children are receiving fresh healthy food including seasonal and organic produce.
The food is sustainable, free range, local, traceable and free from trans fats and harmful additives.
Education portfolio holder, Cllr John Kent, said: “Our catering team are obviously and understandably delighted and very proud of this award.
“It proves our commitment to providing high-quality fresh meals with seasonal and local ingredients.
“Equally it shows we are supporting local businesses and serving food which is sustainable and better for the environment.”
He added: “Serving food to this standard significantly reduces carbon emissions and supports local businesses so this is a win-win all round.”
The report of David Kay, Inspector for The Soil Association, states: “Thurrock has a professional, inclusive approach to their work with a keen focus on the child’s experience and well-being, and with an eye on the presentation of their production. All the food was really fresh and beautifully served.”
