The Source

Love British Food, the organisers of British Food Fortnight are calling on public sector caterers to engage with this year’s national campaign and help reconnect people with nutritious British food to build a stronger supply chain.

Running from 26 September to 12 October, the annual two-week campaign, serves as a timely reminder of the public sector’s vital role in supporting the nation’s farmers, and the role of farmers and food producers in putting nutritious food on the public plate. 

This year’s British Food Fortnight campaign theme, ‘strengthening the roots that bind us’ aims to inspire a deeper appreciation of seasonal British produce and encourage procurement strategies that prioritise local suppliers.

Founder of the initiative, Alexia Robinson is determined to build on British Food Fortnight’s 24-year heritage, putting nutrition, flavour and sustainability at the heart of this year’s celebrations.

As one of the longest serving members of the Public Sector Catering Alliance, Alexia explains: “We are at a critical moment, where the need for national food security has never been greater. From local authority procurement teams to NHS chefs, we all have a role to play in driving forward a shared vision that celebrates and supports the incredible variety of food grown right here in the UK. 

“British food is the bond that sustains our nation — helping us grow physically, culturally, economically, and securely. By strengthening the roots in our food system, we ensure that British food remains central to our future, making the supply chain more resilient and sustainable. Together, we can empower the public sector to lead the way in driving lasting change for the good of our communities and the planet.

“We’re encouraging public sector caterers to prioritise British suppliers in their procurement decisions and to make a conscious effort to seek out SMEs and regional suppliers wherever possible.”

This year’s campaign focuses on three key pillars – Grow British, Cook British, and Champion British – with grassroots activity targeting consumers, hospitality and public sector catering.

• ‘Grow British’ celebrates the hardworking UK farmers and the critical importance of resilient and sustainable farming practices for food security 
• ‘Cook British’ encourages everyone to make seasonal, nutritious British food central to daily meals and menu planning for all
• ‘Champion British’ advocates for greater use of British produce in public institutions, businesses, and communities

During a period of profound change in food, farming, and procurement policies, British Food Fortnight encourages stakeholders to promote sustainable, British food choices in all public sector settings as a key step in reducing environmental impact. 

Throughout the campaign, a wide range of events, promotions, and media activities will take place nationwide with 1,000’s of schools, 100’s of care homes and many hospitals and leading universities taking part every year. 

From digital toolkits, Morrisons community competition, The National Harvest Festival Service at Westminster Abbey, and cookery demonstrations to collaborations with schools, universities, care homes and hospitals, the campaign aims to educate, engage, and empower institutions to make seasonal British food a cornerstone of their menus all year round.