Orkney school caterers achieve Food for Life Award for fourth year in a row

Orkney’s school catering team has achieved the Food for Life Served Here (FFLSH) award for a fourth year in a row. 

Soil Association Scotland, who run the Food for Life Scotland programme, says that by choosing to serve more responsibly sourced and ethical ingredients, the team in the county are part of a growing movement of caterers committed to serving food that is good for the climate, nature and young people’s health.

Announcing the re-accreditation, a spokesperson from the Association said: “Your work is so important to changing the food we eat and the world we live in, thank you for being part of that movement.”

The catering team serve up around 2,000 hot and nutritious meals daily to pupils across Orkney’s 21 schools and first achieved the Bronze award in 2020, despite the challenges of the pandemic.

The Council’s Service Manager for Corporate Catering, Scott Pring, said: “The reaccreditation is, as always, down to the efforts of all staff involved in maintaining the high standard and our fantastic local suppliers for the quality produce that we are able to source right here on our doorstep.

“Being part of the programme is a huge amount of work but the benefits are significant and passed directly onto our children and young people through the offer of freshly prepared meals that we know are healthy and sustainable. This is also about trying to instil good eating habits from a young age that we know is so important in terms of a healthy onward lifestyle.”

The Council works closely with suppliers including local butcher Williamsons, Orkney Fisherman’s Society, JW Gray, James Wilsons Ltd, Crantit Dairy and Argos Bakery to source fresh, local and sustainable ingredients as part of its Food for Life certified meals.

The Food for Life Served Here award recognises councils that are serving school meals which are made from fresh ingredients, use free-range eggs and higher welfare meat, and are free from genetically modified ingredients and undesirable additives.

Councillor Gwenda Shearer, Chair of Orkney Islands Council Education, Leisure and Housing Committee, said: “Orkney is world renowned for its quality local produce, which is regularly sourced by top chefs for their restaurant menus. The same produce, which often originates on a farm ‘next door’ and from the seas around our coastline, is used to create fresh, balanced, nutritious and tasty meals for our children and young people – food they want to eat.

“We have long been proud of the standard and range of meals in our schools. As some families face ever more difficult circumstances, never has it been more important to ensure our children and young people receive the option of a nutritious meal – improving pupils’ health and learning potential and introducing good food habits from a young age.

“The variety and choices available are extensive with something for everyone – from homemade soups, sandwiches, wraps, baked tatties, to a main meal, pudding, fruit and yoghurt. We are also supporting our local economy and doing our bit to reduce food miles by sourcing from Orkney businesses where we can.

“Well done to all involved in maintaining such a high standard.”

Food for Life Scotland Head of Food Sarah Duley said: “Congratulations to Orkney Islands Council for retaining the Food for Life Served Here Bronze award for another year. This is no mean feat, particularly as the cost-of-living crisis and challenged supply chains are having a huge impact on catering services and on budgets. The Food for Life Served Here Award provides a framework through which local authorities can achieve health and climate goals while also balancing costs. At this time of intense pressure for local government, achieving the award shows how committed everyone at the Council remains to providing a fantastic school meal service, especially the catering staff. We are delighted to recognise Orkney for continuing to deliver freshly prepared, healthy and sustainable food on school plates, and supporting Scottish food producers and suppliers.”