Public sector: hospitals, school caterers, care homes, universities and government offices

How to take part in British Food Fortnight

Public sector: hospitals, school caterers, care homes, universities and government offices



Source British food


  • Buy in-season products that are often available at competitive prices in order to achieve value for money, buy British and act within State Aid rules. (Public sector procurers are not allowed under State Aid rules to restrict purchases to specific countries.)


  • Use British Food Fortnight as an opportunity to find new suppliers, source more sustainably and receive publicity for doing so.


  • Consider forming a partnership with other public organisations to aggregate.


  • Demand and make savings through bulk purchase. For advice on how to do this go to www.defra.gov.uk and search for 'PSFPI Guidance for buyers and specifiers'.


  • Follow others' example: many NHS Trusts, school catering services and major Government departments source British food and run special menus for British Food Fortnight. The Cabinet Office, Treasury, Portcullis House, Department for Transport, Department for Work & Pensions, HM Revenue & Customs and the Department for Culture, Media & Sport have all taken part in the past. See the case studies on our Public Sector pages to read about how Nottingham City Hospital, North Lincolnshire Council and others have sourced British.


  • Promote what you are doing: the public and the media are particularly interested in how much British food the Government sources! Promote your participation in the national food promotion by displaying POS material using the British Food Fortnight logo or Union Jack on menus and in restaurants.


  • Tell the organisers of British Food Fortnight what you are doing. To have your activities promoted through our communication channels email us on info@lovebritishfood.co.uk



See our Public sector sections for more advice on taking part, case studies of food service organisations that have taken part, downloadable resources and promotional material.


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