Lancaster University secures host of Food for Life catering marks
Lancaster University has earned a host of Soil Association Food for Life silver and bronze catering marks and retained its gold mark at the University's Lounge and Café 21.
The University's new Marketplace restaurant achieved the silver catering mark, alongside the Deli, central catering kitchen, the conferencing department, pre-school and internal catering. In addition, Barker House Farm catered accommodation achieved bronze status.
The Lounge and Café 21 on the University's Bailrigg campus also retained its gold mark for serving fresh and healthy meals made with local and organic ingredients. In 2014, Lancaster University was the first UK university to obtain two gold accreditations.
The gold Food for Life catering mark is awarded when nutrition, animal welfare, the environment and staff wellbeing are considered in all catering decisions.
Lancaster was able to prove it prepares meals using at least 15% organic ingredients, and the University's ‘Green Lancaster' facility also provides fruit and vegetables grown by students and volunteers and delivers them to kitchens on campus.
"It also recognises the use of fresh, seasonal, local and organic ingredients. This is something we have worked hard to progress with our local suppliers, including Plumgarths Farm Shop in the Lake District, Lune Valley Smokehouse near Carnforth, Dewlay Cheesemakers in Garstang and J Atkinson & Co of Lancaster, so we'd like to thank them for their help in us achieving this standard."
Martin Sawyer, chief executive of Soil Association Certification, added: "It's brilliant to see Lancaster University gaining recognition for serving great fresh meals made with seasonal, local and organic ingredients. Serving menus to gold catering mark standards can significantly reduce carbon emissions and supports local businesses, so this is a win-win for planet-friendly food and the local economy.'
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