Schools, care homes, hospitals, universities and prisons are expected to take part reflecting the supportive ‘family’ that is the Public Sector Catering (PSC) Alliance, of which Love British Food has been one of the longest-serving members. TUCO, NACC, HCA and LACA all actively support British Food Fortnight and encourage their members to take part.
Over 3,000 schools, more than 40 hospitals and hundreds of care homes are all expected to take part in Love British Food’s British Food Fortnight (26th September to 12th October).
Celebrations across Britain
This year marks the first time in several years that all four nations are taking part, supported by the launch of a new four-nation series of the Love British Food logo.
Menu promotions during the fortnight will showcase the passion public sector caterers have for fresh, seasonal British produce, and the value they place on close relationships with suppliers who help to deliver robust supply chains.
Hospital promotions will be led by Bon Culina and Medirest, both official partners of Love British Food. Other official partners serving the public sector include OCS, Chartwells, Brakes, Fresh Direct, Harrison Catering, and Essential Cuisine.
Regional suppliers Local Food Links and Derbyshire Catering Services are food hero members. Chartwells (Compass) is celebrating British Food Fortnight in 2,000 schools with classic British recipes and menu takeovers.
NHS participation
Exemplar NHS Trusts in England have committed to taking part, renewing their pledge earlier this year. Many Trusts are running patient-focused activities.
At Yeovil District Hospital, a bronze exemplar site, celebrations include a daily menu of British classics, from beer-battered haddock and chips to roast beef wraps with bubble & squeak fritters, alongside British desserts in the cafe.
Farm visit success
The success of British Food Fortnight builds on Love British Food’s extensive on-farm training programme, which has now hosted over 214 public sector caterers on ten farms.
Love British Food calls these participants ‘change-makers,’ as they return to their workplaces inspired to source British and equipped with the knowledge of why it matters. The programme, initially focused on NHS caterers, has now expanded to include NACC and TUCO members.
Industry leading figures support
Professor Jayne Jones, chair of the Public Sector Catering Alliance and assistant director (facilities and production) at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde: “We serve amazing local and seasonal produce across schools, hospitals, care homes, universities and prisons, and it's inspiring to see the work of Love British Food and other partners continue to grow the connection between producers, caterers and everyone involved in the supply chain in between to strengthen that sustainable access to local food for all.”
Derek Wright, catering services manager at Blackpool Catering Services: “School meals play a vital role in shaping children’s health and learning, and British Food Fortnight is the perfect opportunity to showcase the importance of fresh, local, and seasonal produce on the plates of our young people. By supporting British farmers, we not only invest in our children’s wellbeing but also strengthen our communities and food system for the future.”
Mike Haslin, chief executive of TUCO: “British Food Fortnight holds a special place in the university food service calendar. It’s the time when we can truly spotlight the seasonality and quality of British food, while fostering stronger links between universities, producers and local supply chains.”
Philip Shelley, national lead for food at NHS England: “Having British Food at the centre of our menu choice throughout healthcare is vital if we are to strengthen our commitment to farmers and local distributors in our regions. Every year, we take time to celebrate British Food Fortnight which highlights the opportunities, the quality of products and the sustainable measures which help us drive our net zero goals.”