Havering become first London borough to achieve gold for their school meals

03 August 2012

Havering Council’s school meals service has been awarded the prestigious gold Food for Life Catering Mark - awarded by the Soil Association - for serving fresh and healthy meals, in Primary schools.

This is the first time a London borough has achieved the gold mark for serving fresh and healthy meals made with local and organic ingredients. Havering was first awarded the bronze catering mark in September 2010 and since then has continued to work to improve the sustainability of the food it serves.

10,000 gold rated meals will now be provided every day across 68 primary schools in the borough, meaning that:

• At least 30% of ingredients are organic (or Marine Stewardship Council certified fish)
• At least 50% of ingredients are locally produced
• Organic meat, dairy products or eggs are served, which achieve the highest welfare standards
• A variety of non-meat dishes are being promoted as part of a balanced, climate-friendly diet
• Children also have a chance to try out a variety of new foods, as well as dishes from around the world, such as chicken tikka fillets, enchiladas and moussaka.

Councillor Paul Rochford, Cabinet Member for Children and Learning said he was “really pleased that the service has achieved the gold Food for Life Catering Mark. It shows that parents can know that their children are getting a choice of food from a wide range of healthy, fresh meals.”

Parents can contact their child’s school at any time to sign their child up for school meals.