NBT wins Food for Life Catering Mark for hospital meals

The award has been given in recognition of the Trust's commitment to providing a high proportion of freshly prepared dishes using only farm-assured meat. This means all meat comes from businesses where UK minimum standards on animal welfare are being met. In addition, much of the food now comes from the local area – reducing the Trust's carbon footprint and supporting local businesses. The establishment has achieved this accolade by teaming up with Marshfield Far to provide specially produced ice cream, using free range eggs, preparing fresh dishes on site using high quality ingredients, and using sustainable stocks for its fish dishes. Simon Wood, director of facilities, said: "This really is a fantastic achievement and all credit must go to my catering departments at Frenchay and Southmead for their hard work and dedication in getting this new scheme off the ground. "The cost to the Trust of this new approach has been minimal and in some cases we have saved money by switching to a local supplier, not to mention the reduction in our carbon footprint." John Cottrell from Gundenham Dairy, added: "As a well-established local business we are delighted to have been selected by North Bristol NHS Trust to be a supply partner under the "Food for Life" initiative. "It demonstrates that with some forward thinking, team effort and a will to succeed it is possible to produce good, locally sourced and environmentally friendly meals within tight budgets. Congratulations to the North Bristol Trust on achieving the award - we look forward to a long and mutually beneficial partnership."