The results, published in ProVeg UK’s second annual School Contract Caterer Ranking, highlight the growing need for school caterers to adopt menus that put the health of the planet and their pupils at the heart.
Assessing 37 of England’s key school caterers, the ranking reviews various elements including the quality and promotion of plant-based dishes as well as the transparency and communication of the benefits of plant-based foods.
Caterlink came out on top with ISS finishing in second place followed by Dolce, Sodexo and Olive Dining. How Caterlink achieved top spot:
- Over half of their main meal options are plant-based
- Vegetarian and plant-based options are positioned at the top of the menus to nudge more healthy and sustainable choices
- Out of the 15 days in the menu cycle, 11 offer a plant-based main, side, and dessert
Anya Paulden, nutritionist at Caterlink, said: “Providing sustainable choices and reducing our environmental impact is a core priority - not only for everyone at Caterlink, but also for the pupils we serve every day.
“Our partnership with ProVeg has inspired thoughtful, innovative updates to our menus and helped us enhance the skills of our kitchen teams, empowering them to create delicious, plant‑based dishes. We look forward to continuing our partnership and bringing sustainable menus to our customers every day.”
A report last year showed that 66% of the public surveyed are open to the idea of reducing their meat consumption. According to a UNICEF report, nine out of ten children are worried about climate change, with 89% of children saying they don’t feel enough is being done to tackle the climate crisis.
Alex Jemison, awards & engagement manager at ProVeg UK, added: “This ranking gives us the opportunity to recognise the sustainable leaders in school contract catering, and allows schools to choose caterers who clearly align with their goals. We’re delighted at how many caterers showed an appetite to engage with our work and after last year’s success we have extended the ranking to include even more organisations this year.
“Alongside the 118 catering partners that we work with or have supported through our School Plates programme, we’re delighted that we can celebrate the wider efforts of those paving the way to more plant-focussed and sustainable school food, for children, and the planet.”