Wales: Celebrating local and sustainable catering at Aberystwyth University

Organic Centre Wales (OCW) and Aberystwyth University hosted an event on 23 October 2013 to celebrate the University’s recent achievement in gaining a Bronze Food for Life Catering Mark Award from the Soil Association, for all of their campus restaurants. The Food for Life scheme is fast becoming the industry standard for local, sustainable, ethically sourced food in the UK and recognises many of the excellent food procurement practices already taking place within the University. (Picture by Tony Plugh Photography: Rebecca Davies, Pro Vice-Chancellor of student and staff services, and Jane Powell, OCW)

The University benefits from its own farm on site, which allows the restaurants to source lamb and beef with arguably one of the shortest supply chains and lowest food miles for meat sourced on such a large scale. Their own greenhouses supply the kitchens with fresh salad and herbs to accompany the 1000 plus hot meals served every day at the University.

OCW, based at Aberystwyth University has been supporting caterers across Wales to learn more about the scheme as part of their supply chain project with local organic producers and food education work with consumers. The event featured a range of local produce, and both conventional and organic producers were attending to discuss what sustainable sourcing means to them. Speaking about their work in this area Jane Powell, OCW said, “Wales has a long standing reputation for great food, and by more organisations becoming part of the Catering Mark scheme, it will provide a healthy market for local, sustainable and better welfare food. We feel initiatives such as this and the organic sector is pivotal in the drive towards Wales as a sustainable food nation. We are delighted to support this event and to work within an environment where good food is available to all". More information is available from the www.organiccentrewales.org.uk.