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Love British Food has hosted its tenth on-farm training event for public sector food professionals at Courteenhall Estate, expanding the number of change makers to 214 people, all inspired to champion British produce.
The farm walk, guided by former GP and now leading nature-friendly regenerative farmer Dr Johnny Wake, brought together 20 high calibre caterers for a day of transformative learning and collaboration both out in the field and during a working lunch, where lively discussion and practical ideas were exchanged.
With representatives from across the NHS, education including The University Caterers Organisation (TUCO), advisory bodies, local authorities, food service organisations and the National Association of Care Catering (NACC), the day explored common procurement and policy challenges. Steps to improve procurement practices were discussed, and a mutual objective to remove barriers and promote British food across all public sector settings was agreed.
Love British Food founder, Alexia Robinson believes the programme is essential in joining the dots between farming, food, health and sustainability.
"As our cohort of change makers continues to grow, so too does their collective impact,” she says.
“The programme provides a vital opportunity to see the work that British farmers put into producing food. Every participant goes away understanding the connection between how food is grown and its nutritional value. All while learning about how food produced in harmony with nature can help them meet their sustainability targets and improve health outcomes.
“From the positive feedback I’ve received, our changemakers left feeling inspired, supported, and enabled to make real, tangible differences by introducing more British-grown ingredients onto their menus.”
Conversations during the day highlighted numerous positive examples the group could adopt. These included successful local sourcing initiatives, such as Nottingham County Council’s County Enterprise Foods radical eighteen-month transition to sourcing 100% fresh, local produce including rabbit and venison. This has been achieved through establishing a network of regional wholesalers that have become ‘integral to our catering family’.
The forum demonstrated delegates commitment to UK sourced food that balances nutritional needs. A change that multiple studies have proven to enhance outcomes for students and patients. For many it had delivered cost savings, such Milton Keynes University Hospital saving 1-2% through using a local butcher - overcoming the myth that British costs more.
Following the event, host farmer Dr Johnny Wake explained:
“I have a much better understanding of the multiple challenges in public sector catering. It’s not realistic to expect wholesale change immediately; but incremental changes will still deliver long term improvements to people’s health and public finances in the end.”
Neel Radia, who attended as chair of National Association of Care Catering (NACC) and a long-term supporter of Love British Food’s activities, highlighted;
“Change needs to be accessible and actionable. Today has shown how much positive impact you can have through small but meaningful changes.”
Learn more about Love British Food’s farm visit training programme here: Farm Visits for Caterers
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