Plymouth's school meals shortlisted for national award

A team serving up millions of school meals to children in Plymouth has been shortlisted for a national award for its locally sourced, quality ingredients and seasonal menus.

Plymouth City Council's Education Catering Service has been chosen as one of three finalists for the Local Authority Caterer of the Year at the EDUcatering Excellence Awards 2013 for the second year in a row.

The service which currently provides a two course meal for  between £2 and £2.20 operates in  73 schools in Plymouth.

Brad Pearce, Education Catering Manager, said: "I'm thrilled and very proud that the work we're doing in Plymouth is continuing to be recognised at a national level. I'd like to think that we could bring the award back to Plymouth this year!

"We already hold the 'Good Egg Award' for using only organic eggs in our cooking, and we hold the Gold standard from the Soil Association in recognition of our fresh, seasonal menus sourced from local suppliers. But like all the best businesses, we are hungry for more!

"We are continuously looking at what we serve and how we could improve our meals. We want to provide the best food possible to children in the city so they have nutritious and delicious meals to choose from."
Plymouth is recognised as one of the country's pioneering education catering services, and as such, is currently working on implementation of the new national School Food Plan published in July this year by Henry Dimbleby and John Vincent, who own and run the LEON chain of restaurants in London.

Councillor Nicky Williams, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: "We're so proud of our education catering team – they are a real credit to the Council. They ensure our children's meals are made from top quality ingredients from local suppliers here in the Westcountry."

EDUcatering Excellence Award will announce the winner on Monday 14 October at a ceremony in London.

More information can be found on the School Food Plan website