The annual Public Sector Catering awards celebrate the individuals, teams and organisations making an outstanding contribution across the sector, recognising excellence, innovation, leadership and dedication in public sector catering.
In 2023 Bury joined the EU Cascades Cities peer-learning programme, pairing with Copenhagen, a global leader in organic procurement. They visited purpose-built food schools where chefs led food education and 90% of all public food was organic.
Copenhagen shared how utilising buying power is key to futureproofing the food system. It gave the council a vision of what best practice in Bury could look like and they came back determined to change how they procure food.
Working with local suppliers such as Dunsters Farm and Organic North, Bury’s schools have shifted from reheated processed meals to scratch-cooked, seasonal dishes. Although increased preparation time, training and equipment have been required, the workforce are chefs again, job satisfaction is higher, sickness is lower, and retention is up.
Bury Council are using food to build skills and local resilience. The approach also supports local enterprise by helping small suppliers pilot what they do with them before going to tender. They are improving food quality for children and supporting local business at the same time.
In 2024 the catering team achieved the Green Kitchen Standard, a recognition for public sector caterers taking active steps to manage energy, water, and waste sustainably. The equivalent of 757,608kg CO2e is being saved annually by reducing food waste.
Each kitchen measures and monitors food waste, with insights feeding directly into menu development, recipe adjustments, and service methods. All food waste is composted, and used cooking oil is reprocessed, ensuring minimal environmental impact. Investments in energy-efficient cooking appliances and sustainable kitchen practices have made Bury’s catering operations the most energy-efficient in the borough.
In 2025 Bury Schools Catering were awarded the prestigious Food for Life Served Here Gold certification by the Soil Association. Food for Life Served Here certification celebrates caterers who use local sustainable ingredients, champion good practice, and cook from scratch.
This certification verifies the food on the plate, to support caterers to demonstrate their commitment to climate, nature, and health through the food purchased and served. All ingredients are free from additives, artificial trans fats and GM ingredients.
At the Gold certification level, at least 15% of ingredients are organic, and a significant proportion of the ingredients caterers use must be from the UK or produced locally.
By continuing to innovate, collaborate and champion sustainable food practices, Bury Schools Catering are a key aspect of their mission to create a healthier and sustainable food system for all.