School Catering Award

Presented to educational establishment in the UK that can demonstrate a commitment to healthy eating and value for money through the provision of a first class catering service available to all students.

2009 Winner: Todmorden High School, West Yorkshire

Todmorden High’s catering department prides itself on its continued commitment to providing healthy meals and the highest service it can for all staff and students.

The school serves nutritional, freshly prepared and locally sourced food wherever possible. Tony Mulgrew, head of catering, leads School Nutrition Action Groups which ensure that the students have a say on meal choices as well as seasonal or festive fare. Costs have been kept between the £1.70-£1.80 mark.

Todmorden High sources produce from local businesses, including farms and dairies for meat, cheese and free range eggs. This encourages the local economy and helps sustainability by reducing the amount of miles that produce has to travel to the school. The schools has also committed to growing its own fruit and vegetables, with students actively involved in the planting, cultivation and harvesting. Vegetables grown in the school’s own poly tunnels maximise freshness

The school is involved in other initiatives such as the Incredible Edible Todmorden group, which involves members of the local community growing herbs and vegetables in 'free zones' where members of the public are encouraged to pick them free of charge. This encourages allotment participation and free range farming. Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, celebrity chef from Channel Four's River Cottage, sang the group's praises when he came to Todmorden to cook at the first IET harvest festival.

Todmorden has been involved with the Extended Schools programme, encouraging families to cook together, learn new recipes and understand the possibilities of cooking from fresh every day. The school encourages after hours cookery clubs,  as well as going out into the community on cookery road shows in conjunction with the Food For Life Partnership and the Primary Care Trust..

Commended:

Boston Spa School, West Yorkshire
The Kings School, Lincolnshire
St. Katherine's School, Bristol
St Bernadette's Catholic Primary School, Cheshire