We are launching a dedicated training programme as part of a series of celebrations as we build momentum towards this year’s British Food Fortnight, which runs from 26 September to 11 October.
And I am urging organisations and catering teams across the public sector to build on the initiative’s achievements by joining this year’s milestone campaign to source and serve British food and drink.
Over 25 years we’ve created a wonderful community across the industry who share our love and commitment to turn support for British producers into practical action.
As the longest standing representative of food and farming within the Public Sector Catering Alliance, Love British Food has forged deep bonds with all the national catering organisations – The University Caterers Organisation (TUCO), the National Association of Care Catering (NACC), the Hospital Caterers Association (HCA), and The School Food People (formerly LACA).
In doing so we are transforming menus and bridging the gap between farmers and the wider food supply chain. These are robust foundations on which to build.
British Food Fortnight has become an established date on the calendar with thousands of schools, hundreds of care homes, leading universities and many NHS Trusts rejoicing every year.
Through further collaboration with our partners, Food Heroes, working groups and change-maker programme, we are continuing our mission to inspire, enable, and support. Together, we can influence procurement decisions and increase the value we place on British food.
Over 25 years we’ve created a brilliant movement. With our partners – Morrisons, Brakes, Chartwells, OCS, Fresh Direct, Essential Cuisine and Harrisons Catering – we continue to showcase British supply chains and seasonal sourcing, as well as connect directly with communities through British Food Fortnight activity.
This year is all about scaling the impact and providing practical routes to serving British food on menus across public sector catering, instilling pride in where our home-grown food comes from through a shared call to action: ‘Make British produce your first choice.’ I encourage you to join us.
But it’s not just me encouraging you, here’s what some of the industry’s leading figures have said about British Food Fortnight.
Industry collaboration
Anita Brown, chair of the Public Sector Catering Alliance: “Love British Food has played an important role over the past 25 years in championing the value of British produce and strengthening the connection between the people who produce our food and those who serve it every day in schools, hospitals and other public settings. It is embraced by public sector caterers across all services.”
Neel Radia, chair of the NACC: “Sustainability is high on the agenda in care homes, so there has never been a more relevant time to be in partnership with Love British Food – jointly we can support our members in accessing more resources and knowledge to achieve a more sustainable future.”
Iain Robertson, immediate past chair of the HCA: “The Hospital Caterers Association proudly supports the ambitions of Love British Food in their 25th anniversary year. It has never been more important for the sector to support British farmers, growers and producers to help us meet our sustainability goals, provide nutritious food and support local economies.”