The University of Greenwich's caterers ABM Catering have been awarded a Bronze award in the Soil Association's Food For Life campaign. This award is for ABM Catering's outlets on the University's three campuses and stands as recognition for serving fresh food which is free from controversial e-numbers and better for animal welfare. The Bronze award criteria is as follows:

• Meals contain no undesirable food additives or hydrogenated fats
• 75% of dishes are freshly prepared
• Meat is from farms which satisfy UK welfare standards
• Eggs are from cage-free hens
• Menus are seasonal
• Training is provided for all catering staff
• No GM ingredients are used

Ben Silcock the Catering Manager at ABM's Pilkington Restaurant in Medway commented on receiving the award, "We are delighted to have achieved the bronze award at our first attempt, we feel that it shows that we are moving in the right direction to becoming a more sustainable operation. It was good to know that the initiatives we launched to reduce packaging, using local suppliers and healthier food options have all made a difference, and we are looking forward to achieving silver next year."

On top of this the University has already won a Good Egg Award for only using free-range eggs, been accredited as a Fairtrade University and received accreditation from the Marine Stewardship Council for using sustainable fish. The University of Greenwich has been working hard with the university's caterers and students unions to ensure that the quality of food on campus to implement the Sustainable Food Policy which can be seen here: http://www.gre.ac.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/495061/Sustainable-Food-Policy.pdf 

Pilkington Restaurant at Medway (photo courtesy of University of Kent)

If you would like to try the award winning food head along to either Pilkington Restaurant at the Medway Campus, Queen Mary Cafe at Greenwich or Greengages at the Mansion Site, Avery Hill.