A new report from the Soil Association praises Bury for reshaping its local food system across 56 schools, strengthening local supply chains, increasing access to fresh and organic ingredients and putting public health, climate action and social value at the heart of school catering.
Andrew Cowan from Bury Council was named as the recipient of the 2026 Sustainability accolade at the Public Sector Catering Awards. Bury Council explored sustainable models and set high standards, to make the healthier choice the norm, not the exception.
The report comes as the Government consults on proposed changes to the School Food Standards, with a stronger focus on healthier food and drink in schools, including more fruit, vegetables, wholegrains and fibre, alongside tighter limits on less healthy options.
Bury has achieved Food for Life Served Here Gold across 56 schools, Sustainable Food Places Silver, and Green Kitchen Standard certification. Menus now include 25% organic produce, with thousands of children benefiting from healthier, more sustainable meals each day.
It has also worked with suppliers including Organic North and Dunsters Farm to get higher-quality food onto the public plate, supported regional supply chains and reduced environmental impact. One school recorded carbon savings equivalent to driving 138 miles through changes measured by Cool Food Pro’s environmental calculator.
Cowan, senior operations manager at Bury Catering Service, said: “To have received national recognition for achieving Food for Life Served Here Gold and Green Kitchen Standard certification, the only council in the UK to currently have this for all our schools, is a ringing endorsement of all the hard work put in by the team and colleagues across our catering service.
“However, the accolade I cherish the most is seeing the joy and love of food being built in front of our eyes, when children and young people get access to healthy and delicious food when they need it the most in their lives.”