The Source

Derbyshire Catering Service is the latest public sector caterer to partner with Love British Food, ahead of this year’s British Food Fortnight which starts on 26 September.

By becoming a new Food Hero of the national initiative, Derbyshire Catering Service, can access wide ranging resources and educational materials that celebrate the importance of our food roots – while advocating the value of British-sourced seasonal produce in school and care home settings.

Derbyshire County Council’s commitment to sourcing 72% of its raw ingredients from British suppliers, alongside its use of only British and farm-assured meats, aligns seamlessly with Love British Food’s values and mission. 

The latest collaboration highlights the public sector's role in supporting British agriculture while building greater awareness of the benefits of local, seasonal produce and more sustainable supply chains.

Love British Food, founder, Alexia Robinson says: “It’s great to have the Derbyshire team onboard to amplify the important message that British Food Fortnight delivers. Becoming a Food Hero is such a simple way for local authority or third sector operators to demonstrate their dedication to high quality, nutritious British grown and produced food.” 

A Derbyshire Catering Service spokesperson says: “We are proud to become Food Heroes and to stand alongside Love British Food in celebrating the incredible produce this country has to offer. 

“Supporting British farmers and local suppliers is at the heart of our mission to serve fresh, nutritious, and sustainably sourced meals across Derbyshire. We look forward to working together to inspire the next generation about the value of British food."

Derbyshire Catering Service joins Local Food Links which provide meals for 60 schools across Dorset and have been a Food Hero for the past two years. 

Caroline Morgan, from Local Food Links explains why the organisation proudly supports British Food Fortnight: “The celebration, which starts in late September, provides a wonderful opportunity to highlight to pupils the fantastic food that we are able to source locally. We know that pupils are very knowledgeable about environmental issues, so they will appreciate that featuring ‘Roast Dorset Gammon’ on the menu means minimal food miles, therefore food that is good for the planet as well as being delicious.”

Blackpool Catering Services has participated in British Food Fortnight for four years. Its Catering Services Manager and Love British Food director, Derek Wright adds: “British Food Fortnight is a fantastic opportunity for us as a school catering service to celebrate and showcase the vital work we do in bringing the farm-to-fork journey to life every day.

“In Blackpool, we take great pride in supporting local supply chains, working closely with our regional wholesaler to ensure we are backing British farmers and producers wherever possible. British Food Fortnight allows us to highlight this commitment to our schools and the wider community across the town.”