BD Together recognised for award-winning meals | News

 

Barking and Dagenham schools are officially serving some of the healthiest and most sustainable school meals in the country after its caterer BD Together received a national award for its school menus.

BD Together is the latest London school caterer to secure a Bronze accreditation in The ProVeg School Plates Awards, which recognise the healthiest and most climate-friendly school menus across the UK. Barking and Dagenham is the sixth London-based caterer to win an award for their sustainable menus, joining schools across Hackney, Islington, and Waltham Forest.

To be eligible for an award, caterers must take various steps to promote plant-based school meals, which produce significantly less carbon than meat-based dishes. The dishes must also be nutritionally-balanced and, of course, tasty, encouraging children to opt for more sustainable choices at lunchtime.

Schools in Barking and Dagenham are serving a range of attractive and delicious, plant-based dishes, including:

• Crispy Oven-baked Onion & Peppers Chimichanga 

• Planet-friendly Sausage Roll 

• Hearty Vegetable Tikka Masala

• Wholesome Burger with Skin-on Wedges

Donna Thacker, Acting Operations Director of Together, said: “We’ve worked really hard to provide high quality school meals across all our schools, while also reducing food emissions. We want to ensure that children can access tasty, nutritious food, whilst also educating them about climate action. We’ve even introduced a planet-friendly day where we focus specifically on encouraging children to eat more plant-based foods for the climate. We are incredibly proud of our efforts, and are delighted to receive an award for our work.”

Jimmy Pierson, Director of ProVeg UK, the non-profit organisation behind the awards, was full of praise for the council’s menus: “We’ve reviewed school menus from all over the country since our Awards scheme launched last year, and we’re so impressed by caterers’ commitment to serving high-quality food that nourishes children and our planet. We’re thrilled to present BD Together with a Bronze award - it’s a testament to their innovation and commitment. All credit to their impressive catering team.”

By championing plant-based options, schools are not only fostering healthier habits in children, they're also protecting their future. Animal agriculture is a major contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions, and by creating innovative and delicious meat-free options, schools are setting an excellent example of climate leadership.

So far, ProVeg UK’s School Plates programme has helped over 6,500 schools to create healthier and more sustainable menus, turning 14.5 million school dinners meat-free. The non-profit offers free menu consultancy, training and recipe development services, and their awards scheme is open to all UK school caterers. To learn more, visit ProVeg UK’s website or submit your menu for review at schoolplatesawards@proveg.com.