Harrogate’s Ladies’ College has won the silver mark, given by the Soil Association, which follows on from the school catering’s prioritisation of sourcing local ingredients for its meals at the College.
Over 80 per cent of its suppliers are based in Yorkshire. Gareth Harrison, joint managing director of the school’s catering company, Harrison Catering Services, said: “The abundance of quality suppliers in Yorkshire has been a real benefit.”
Pupils at the school have also shown a particular interest in food provenance, providing regular feedback on the catering service to the catering manager.
The goal of Food for Life is centred on sourcing. More and more, people want to know where their food comes from and how it was produced. The catering mark recognises food providers who prepare meals using fresh, local ingredients which are free from e-numbers. It is open to all food providers. Caterers with the Silver Catering Mark use at least 5% organic ingredients as well as a selection of UK or local produce, and offer healthier menus.
Rob Sexton, CEO of Soil Association Certification, said: “Silver Catering Mark menus make use of ethical, seasonal and organic ingredients, which not only supports local businesses, but aids higher welfare farming and helps to reduce the carbon footprint of food provision.”
Harrison has also achieved the Bronze Catering Mark for over 280 schools, as well as a Gold Catering Mark for The Urswick School in Hackney.
