10 August 2017

Trust catering team awarded Soil Association Green Kitchen Standard in UK first

• Department also picks up Food for Life Silver Award

Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has become the first hospital trust in the UK to be awarded a new ‘Green Kitchen’ standard for its work to reduce waste and energy consumption within its catering department.

It was one of two Soil Association awards presented to the catering team, which has also achieved the Food for Life Silver Award in recognition of its commitment to serving freshly prepared, healthy food using sustainably sourced ingredients. It is an upgrade on the bronze award it has achieved for the last two years.

Emma Wilson, the Trust’s Head of Catering, said: “It is recognition of all the hard work we have put in as a team, and it really motivates us to see that we are making a difference.

“We know that what we are doing is good for our patients and the environment.”

To be considered for the Green Kitchen standard, the catering department had to pass an assessment which reviews the kitchen’s energy use, water consumption and waste generation, and had their level of sustainable practice scored by an independent assessor.

The team has introduced staff Sustainability Champions, reduced the monthly water and energy bill, reduced waste to landfill and increased recycling.

To achieve the Food for Life Silver Award, they have increased the amount of organic produce they use to 5%, including using organic milk. 35% of food is produced within the region, only free range eggs and UK meat is used and 40,000 meals are prepared each week on-site. Staff Healthy Eating Ambassadors have also been introduced to encourage patients and customers to make healthy food choices.

Martin Sawyer, the Chief Executive Soil Association Certification, said: “These awards are a huge recognition that the Trust is taking care over food procurement and using an environmental and sustainable approach.

“It really is part of a pioneering group across the UK.”

ENDS


Photo 1: Head of Catering Emma Wilson and Training and Safety Officer Henry Manzira with Soil Association certificates, surrounded by Sustainability Champions and Martin Sawyer of the Soil Association

Photo 2: Food Services Assistant Greg Martin serving patient Betty Brownell
 



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