Education Today Education Today Magazine
Education catering specialist, Caterlink, has set a new benchmark in the industry by becoming the first school caterer in the UK to achieve the Food for Life Served Here Silver accreditation across its entire portfolio of 1,200 primary school sites. This accolade cements Caterlink’s position as a national leader in providing sustainable and health-focused school meals.
Awarded by the Soil Association, the Food for Life Served Here Silver standard recognises excellence in delivering fresh, healthy, ethically sourced, and environmentally conscious meals to pupils across the country.
This milestone reflects Caterlink’s long-standing commitment to raising industry standards, with over 185,000 freshly prepared primary school meals served daily across the UK. In 2024, the organisation reported a 1.4% reduction in food waste and a 12% decrease in menu-related carbon emissions.
The Silver accreditation recognises Caterlink’s commitment to meals free from additives, artificial trans fats and GM ingredients, with a focus on local produce and high-welfare meat. The company also leads on sustainability with initiatives such as meat-free days, sustainable palm oil, and lower-carbon menus. Over the past eight years, the proportion of vegetarian dishes that are also vegan has grown from 40% to 70%, offering options that are 49% higher in fibre, 85% lower in salt and saturated fat, 74% lower in total fat, and 25% lower in CO₂e.
Rebeccah Lawless, Managing Director at 4oc, commented: “We’re absolutely delighted to see Caterlink achieve the ‘Food for Life Served Here’ Certification across all their primary school sites. It’s a fantastic milestone and a real testament to their ongoing commitment to fresh, sustainable, and responsibly sourced food for children. As one of their key fresh produce suppliers, we’re proud to support them every step of the way in delivering nutritious, seasonal fruit and vegetables that meet these high standards.”
Neil Fuller, Managing Director, Caterlink, says: “This is a proud moment for everyone at Caterlink. For 15 years, we’ve been committed to providing food that’s better for pupils and the planet, and this award recognises the incredible work our teams do every day in school kitchens across the UK.”
James Cashmore, Managing Director, Soil Association, says: “It is fantastic news that Caterlink have been awarded their silver Food for Life Served Here certification for all of their 1200+ primary schools. This is a truly inspiring commitment to sourcing and serving food that is better for climate, nature and health, helping to change food for good. The Soil Association know just how important it is for every child to have at least one healthy and sustainable meal a day and we’re delighted to support Caterlink to lead the way. Congratulations to all involved.”
