The Source

Inside Britain’s Sourcing Story winter edition – Milton Keynes University Hospital From field to ward – putting British produce at the heart of winter recovery Love British Food caught up with Frank Fiore, catering manager at Milton Keynes University Hospital (MKUH) to learn more about his successful seasonal winter menu and the sourcing strategy behind it. Patient meals at MKUH are delivered plated and chilled before being cooked at ward level. While the hospital does not operate a large-scale fresh cook patient kitchen, Frank believes the model offers consistency, something that is vital in a hospital setting. “We’re often meeting complex dietary requirements, so consistency is fundamental,” he explains. “We use two different suppliers. Steamplicity provides our fresh, chilled meals, and Maple fine foods who supply our high-quality textured and modified meals. I’m pleased to say our patient feedback is always very good.” Ward-based catering teams interact daily with patients, taking orders electronically, serving meals and drinks, and ensuring individual nutritional needs are met. Alongside this constant dialogue, patients can provide feedback via QR codes printed on menus or through paper questionnaires. “It’s really important that we keep that feedback loop open,” Frank says. “Food is an integral part of the patient journey.” Winter warmers One of the biggest developments this winter has been the installation of new catering equipment, enabling the team to introduce freshly made soups using British-grown seasonal produce from local fruit and vegetable merchant AB Fruits. “Our approach is really flexible,” Frank explains. “The huge benefit is that I can change what soup we’re making based on the ingredients available that day. That’s one of the great things about sourcing locally.” Previously, patient soups were bought in. Now, by blending supplied meals with fresh in- house production, Frank has been able to inject a new level of quality and seasonality into the offering. “I’ve introduced a blend of supplied and in-house catering for patients because injecting fresh cooking into our offer is really important.” Over the winter months, soups have included leek and potato, country vegetable, carrot and coriander, mixed bean and pasta, mushroom and cream of tomato – all made using seasonal British vegetables. Frank says this is only the beginning. Plans are underway to introduce freshly made custard and porridge, with close involvement from the hospital’s dietetic team to ensure recipes meet fortification and nutritional standards. “Meeting patients’ nutritional needs is key,” he says. “Our dietitians are involved in recipe development, particularly where fortification is required.” Food for the body and mind Meals served in a hospital environment carry emotional weight as well as nutritional importance. Frank is a firm believer in offering traditional comfort dishes such as cottage pie, food that feels familiar and reassuring. “Food can be a positive trigger, and we want patients to look forward to mealtimes when they’re in hospital,” he says. “The number of times I’ve heard someone visit a patient and ask, ‘What did the doctor say?’ and then immediately follow it with, ‘What did you eat today?’ It happens all the time.” For Frank, food is more than sustenance. “It’s essential that patients eat healthy, nutritious food. If it looks good and tastes good, they’re more inclined to eat it. Food is one of the best natural medicines we have – especially when you’re in hospital.” Fuelling NHS staff Hard-working hospital staff enjoy freshly cooked meals prepared from scratch on site in the staff restaurant. Frank delivers regular themed menus that showcase flavours from around the world using locally sourced ingredients. “We have a traditional mains counter where we would serve something like a beef casserole in the winter. And then we have a street food counter showcasing global flavours. We regularly feature an Indian day, an African inspired day, an Italian day, and a traditional British day. “The staff menu runs on a three / four-week cycle, but nothing is set in stone. We can change it based on what our fruit and veg man and our butcher can source. “One of the key things I have experienced working in an NHS kitchen is that you can be flexible. You can express your creativity as a chef,” adds Frank. Supplier relationships Sourcing British produce is deeply embedded in Frank’s philosophy, something he attributes to his upbringing. “For me, it comes down to building relationships and working collaboratively. Food’s value never just comes down to cost.” Since joining the Trust in 2020, Frank has worked to shorten supply chains significantly. When he arrived, the hospital’s butcher was 130 miles away. Today, MKUH works with The Buckingham Butcher, reducing response times and strengthening accountability. “It means if there’s an issue, it can be rectified within hours. That wasn’t possible before.” AB Fruits, the hospital’s family-run fruit and vegetable supplier located close to the Trust, sources directly from three local farmers. The shortened supply chain has improved both resilience and flexibility. “If you have strong supplier relationships, you can help each other out. AB Fruits even sourced some high protein yoghurts to get us out of a pickle. They’re phenomenal! Having that level of trust also makes planning much more fluid as we speak to each other on a daily basis,” he adds. “Consistency with suppliers is so beneficial, we work with them when it comes to pricing challenges, to mitigate some of those issues. It comes down to loyalty. That might sound old-fashioned, but I think its key to all good relationships.” Seasonal highlights Winter produce has shaped menus across both patient and staff catering. Seasonal ingredients have included leeks, celeriac, broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage, all sourced through local suppliers. Frank’s philosophy is simple. “If I was in Italy, I’d buy Italian local produce. I’m in the UK, so I should aim to buy local produce from British farmers.” That commitment extends to farm visits. Frank regularly visits suppliers and farms to understand growing conditions, crop challenges and seasonal realities. “For example, when you see frost damage on a cabbage crop, you understand what farmers are up against. It gives you perspective. It can also inspire chefs and provide a complete picture of the efforts that go into growing foods that we can easily take for granted. “I believe it’s important to have that level of knowledge to help you shape how you use British ingredients.” Winter challenges MKUH’s souring policy and use of local suppliers ensures that they are resilient to seasonal challenges. “We don’t really experience the knock-on effects because we’re able to react to whatever problem is put in front of us,” says Frank. “Obviously, when it's rained and places have flooded, sometimes our suppliers have come in a bit late, but we managed those situations internally. It goes back to what we were saying before about being flexible enough to be able to do that. “When it comes to procurement reviews, I'm really happy to be vocal when the decision is considered. It's about finding suppliers that are happy to work collaboratively with your specific organisation. So I think that's really important as well.” Healthy Horizons This winter also saw the launch of Healthy Horizons Day, an initiative aimed at inspiring staff and patients to think differently about food and wellbeing. The event brought together AB Fruits, the hospital’s butcher, dairy suppliers, dietitians and personal trainers. Live cookery demonstrations showcased the benefits of seasonal vegetables, lean meats and blended protein cooking. Frank shared his own health journey, having lost two and a half stone through improved diet and exercise. “I wanted to show that change is possible. If I could inspire just one person, that would be enough.” The team showcased new dishes with a focus on nutrition, combining minced beef with pea protein in meatballs, alongside plant-forward dishes such as vegan stir fry. Venison was also showcased for its benefits and is now being trialled more widely on menus. “I'm hoping to continue the Healthy Horizons event throughout the year. I want to inspire people to think about great food as it helps us lead a healthier, better life.” Festive feast Christmas remains a significant moment in the public sector catering calendar. For patients, Frank has worked gradually to increase input into menu development, responding to feedback and enhancing the festive offer wherever possible within NHS frameworks. Improvements include adding pigs in blankets and Yorkshire pudding – classic favourites that patients love. For staff, the Trust delivers a full week of Christmas dinners , covering all shifts to ensure inclusivity. “It’s about recognising the incredible work our staff do,” he says. “They deserve it.” Lessons learned Reflecting on his career in NHS catering, Frank says the most important lesson has been not to shy away from conviction. “If you’re passionate about local suppliers, fresh cooking and inspiring people, just go for it. Ask questions. See what’s achievable.” He credits strong support from within the Trust for enabling innovation. “Food is on everybody’s agenda here. Put yourself out there – you’ll be surprised what you can achieve.” Chef first and foremost Frank’s passion for cooking began early. “Cooking was one of the only things I was told I was good at doing at school,” he says. Working within the NHS exposed him not only to diverse cuisines but also to the complexities of dietary needs and patient care. “You can’t take the chef whites out of me,” he adds. “That passion is still very much there –100%.” As winter continues, his focus remains on flexibility, resilience and strengthening local supply chains, ensuring that British produce travels the shortest possible route from field to fork, feeding local patients and NHS staff alike. “I've met so many amazing people through the Hospital Caterers Association and Love British Food. They are all really singing off the same hymn sheet. We've all got the same purpose. The caterers that work in the NHS are focused on making people better with nutritious, delicious food. And I think we all do a pretty amazing job at that.”

Inside Britain’s Sourcing Story winter edition – Local Food Links Feeding Dorset – The local sourcing story behind 5,000 school meals a day

As part of British Food Fortnight this year we would like you to welcome you to Honeybuns bakery for an exclusive peek behind the scenes. Taking place on Saturday 11 October, this exclusive event will include a tour of our artisan bakery, followed by a guided walk around the nature reserve here at Naish Farm, and finishing with oodles of cake tastings (of course!). We have two sessions on the day. The first runs from 2.00pm to 3.30pm, and the second from 3.30pm to 5.00pm. £15 per person payable on booking. All monies go to The Big Yellow Bus Garden Project, a local community garden. Spaces are limited so make sure you book your place. Contact details below.

Growing numbers of customers want to buy British food Support for British farmers and food producers is palpable here in the South West. The snaking queues at numerous farm shops such as Teals, Darts Farm and Felicity’s are testament to a growing market for thoughtfully and locally produced fresh food. The phenomenon that is Jeremy Clarkson’s Diddly Squat has also turbo charged interest in our amazing British food heritage. Deliciously stocked rural vending machines are also tapping into this sustained interested in artisan food. Our local one at Woodbridge Farm, home of the esteemed Blue Vinny cheese, sells beautiful chutneys, cheeses, yoghurt and fresh milk with not a single mass produced sausage roll in sight. You can pop in there 24/7 knowing that everything there is made either on the farm or in Dorset. According to Emily Davies, owner of Blue Vinney, "With business costs rising and no proportional improvement in the milk price for decades it has provided us with an invaluable opportunity of maintaining control over our own products as well as a brilliant shop window for education, trialling anything new or seasonal and just having fun." Quoting from the Public Sector Catering website, “more than 80% of people surveyed believe it’s important to buy British Food”. The stats from the Red Tractor Assurance Scheme are even more heartening, “91% trust UK food that is exclusively produced in the UK”. British Farming and Food have weathered the storm - it’s now time to celebrate Following on from the brutal challenges of the pandemic, lockdowns and the ensuing cost of living crisis, consumer confidence fell in British Food from 2021-2024. The Ukraine crisis with its disruption to the supply of key ingredients from wheat to sunflower oil led the United Nations to state, “The United Nations has warned that the combination of COVID-19 pandemic and Russia-Ukraine crisis has led to the biggest food crisis after the World War II”. Gloomy days indeed - heaven knows we are ready for a bit of a party. So the fact that trust in British Food is now at its highest since 2021 truly is something to celebrate. By popping up your British Food Fortnight bunting and going all red white and blue on your chosen day(s) your team and your customers can wave the flag for our fabulous food heritage. From the iconic Cornish pasty to the creamy Cranachan of the Highlands, our beloved isle is full to bursting with gastronomic treasure.

Here at Fresh Direct, the UK’s leading wholesale fresh produce supplier, we fully understand our responsibility to set a precedent for others to follow when it comes to sustainability. Our vision is very clear – we will continue to lead the industry by championing UK farmers, embracing regenerative practices, and driving meaningful change across the sector – and we have a number of initiatives under way to deliver this vision. Irrespective of sector, the public care more than ever about where their food comes from and the standards in place to demonstrate sustainable sourcing. And as part of our efforts to meet customer needs, we recently announced a commitment to ensure all contracted UK fresh produce growers are LEAF Marque certified by the end of 2025. This move strengthens our environmental standards, with a focus on supporting growers to implement more sustainable farming practices. These include energy efficiency and carbon reduction, responsible soil and water management, minimising waste, and enhancing local biodiversity. Our Managing Director Andy Pembroke, said: “As a business, we are not only committed to reducing our impact on the environment, but also to ensuring we make a positive contribution to a more sustainable future for farming. And we want to work with growers who share that vision. Making this pledge for all our contracted UK fresh produce to be LEAF Marque certified represents a real step forward for our sector and we are grateful for the support of our growers who have really stepped up to the challenge. It’s also fantastic news for our customers who can see our demonstrable commitment to a sustainable future.” As we work towards full LEAF certification by the end of 2025, the initiative aligns with broader efforts to accelerate the transition to more resilient, transparent, and environmentally conscious food systems. Clare Mike, Director of Technical & Business Development at LEAF (Linking Environment and Farming), added: “Fresh Direct’s pledge is a significant milestone in the journey towards more sustainable and resilient farming systems. This commitment not only supports the adoption of Integrated Farm Management practices but also demonstrates a proactive approach to climate change, biodiversity, and soil and water health. We’re proud to collaborate with forward-thinking partners like Fresh Direct, whose leadership sets a powerful example for the entire foodservice sector.” She added: “This exemplifies the kind of collaborative action needed across the agri-food sector to drive meaningful change. By aligning its supply chain with LEAF Marque standards, Fresh Direct is not only enhancing the sustainability of their operations but also setting a precedent for others to follow. It is through such leadership and commitment that we can build a more resilient food system for the future.” It's a cliché – but as an organisation it’s true that we are on a journey to deliver a better future. I have confidence my expert colleagues and the network of committed British growers we work with will take us to a destination we can all be proud of. Contributor Bio Lee O’Mahoney is Brand Marketing Manager at Fresh Direct . Along with the rest of the Marketing team his focus is on championing the brand, communicating the market leading initiatives the organisation delivers, and putting a voice behind dedicated partner growers and their glorious produce.

As proud partners of Love British Food, Bon Culina and Glebe Farm Foods recently came together for a visit that celebrated collaboration across the food supply chain. The Bon Culina team, led by Head of Service Development Andy Jones, was welcomed to Glebe Farm Foods’ state-of-the-art facilities in Cambridgeshire by Philip Rayner, Managing Director and Founder for a tour and first-hand insight into their unique gluten-free oat production. The visit highlighted a shared mission – to ensure that British produce is celebrated, understood, and chosen across public sector catering procurement, from hospitals and care homes to schools and universities. A meeting of shared values Both Bon Culina and Glebe Farm Foods are committed to high-quality British ingredients, shorter supply chains, and sustainability. For Bon Culina, this means sourcing as locally as possible, building strong relationships with producers, and maintaining rigorous standards for nutrition and taste across the 151 hospitals they supply. For Glebe Farm Foods, it means managing Britain’s only farm-to-table gluten-free oat supply chain – from sowing and harvesting through to processing and packaging – right here in the UK. Andy Jones, past chair of HCA and PSCA and who sits on government think tanks, praised the visit as “enlightening” and commended the cleanliness and efficiency of Glebe Farm Foods’ processing operation. He noted how seeing the journey from field to finished product reinforces the value of connecting caterers directly with producers. Strengthening the public sector’s British food offering The collaboration is more than just a meeting of minds – it’s a practical step towards increasing the availability and visibility of British-grown ingredients in public sector menus. By building understanding between suppliers and caterers, both organisations can help overcome barriers, identify new recipe opportunities, and promote provenance to consumers. As part of the day’s discussions, Andy encouraged Glebe Farm Foods to explore opportunities with public sector catering bodies such as the Hospital Caterers Association, LACA, TUCO, and the National Association of Care Catering. These forums provide a direct route to decision-makers and can help amplify the role of British food in the sector. A legacy of championing British Andy’s involvement in Love British Food spans over two decades, alongside his leadership in campaigns such as Nutrition and Hydration Week. He believes initiatives like the Glebe Farm Foods visit are vital in turning seasonal campaigns into long-term change. “Partnerships like this are how we make a real difference,” Andy said. “From farm to fork, everyone has a role to play in ensuring the food we serve is not only nutritious and delicious, but also supports our farmers, reduces food miles, and strengthens our national food security.” Of the visit, Philip said: “Meetings such as the one with Bon Culina help develop relationships and recipes with Glebe Farm Foods . It’s a great way to ensure we can both work to get more British food and drink into hospitals and schools.” A view to the future The visit has already sparked ideas for how Glebe Farm Foods’ products might be incorporated into Bon Culina’s recipes, helping to broaden their British offering while keeping quality and sustainability at the forefront. Both teams left the day energised by the potential for collaboration – proving that when producers and caterers work hand in hand, British food can truly take centre stage in the public sector. Visit BonCulina Foodservice and Home - Glebe Farm for more information. Love British Food partners can arrange a similar visit by emailing: office@glebefarmfoods.co.uk

Jayne Jones is incredible. She used to be Chair of ASSIST FM that represents 32 Scottish Local Authorities. She is currently Assistant Director for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde. She has, therefore, experience of both school and hospital catering. She has participated in a number of Scottish Government steering groups including those developing Local Food Strategies, ending the need for food banks in Scotland and in developing proposals for the next Scottish Organic Food Action Plan.