How Your School Choice of Caterer Can Make a Big Difference to the Planet

What children eat and what they learn about food, impacts upon their health, on their education, their behaviour and on the environment and economy. Huge benefits accrue from investing in children’s diets from an early stage. The short-term dividends we reap include happier and healthier children ready to learn and able to play a positive role in their school or nursery and home communities.

Here’s how choosing a sustainable caterer can make a big difference in your school, and beyond:

1. More Veggies, Beans, and Pulses as Protein Choices

One of the biggest ways to reduce the carbon footprint of school meals is by shifting towards plant-based proteins. By increasing the amount of beans, pulses, and seasonal vegetables in the meals you serve, schools can reduce their reliance on meat and dairy products, both of which contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions.

Not only are plant-based meals better for the environment, but they’re also packed with essential nutrients for growing children. By introducing kids to a variety of plant-based options early on, you’re giving them a taste for healthier, more sustainable eating habits that will stick with them throughout their lives.

3. Reducing Waste, Recycling Responsibly

Waste reduction is a critical part of any sustainability strategy. The right caterer will not only focus on using the right ingredients but also work hard to minimize food waste in your school kitchen. This includes careful planning of portion sizes, finding ways to use leftovers creatively, and encouraging children to take only what they will eat.

When waste is created, it’s equally important that it is recycled responsibly. A sustainable caterer will ensure that all packaging is recyclable or compostable, and they’ll have systems in place for managing food waste—such as composting or donating surplus food when possible.

4. Monitoring and Reducing Carbon Footprints

One of the most important elements of choosing a sustainable caterer is their commitment to monitoring and reducing the carbon footprint of their meals. Many forward-thinking caterers in Devon and the Southwest are now using software to calculate and track the carbon emissions associated with the meals they provide.

This level of transparency allows schools to see the environmental impact of their food choices and to make changes where necessary. Whether it’s by opting for fewer high-carbon ingredients or switching to low-impact cooking methods, monitoring the carbon footprint ensures your school is always striving for more sustainable options.

Why Your School’s Choice Matters

The choices you make about the food your school serves go beyond just meal times—they can have a lasting impact on the environment and the community. By working with a sustainable caterer, your school will:

• Help fight climate change by reducing carbon emissions linked to food production and transportation.
• Lead by example and show children, parents, and local authorities that sustainable choices are important.
• Inspire families to make more eco-friendly food choices at home, encouraging them to think more about what they eat, where it comes from, and how it’s grown.

By choosing sustainable catering, your school will not only benefit the environment—it will also inspire future generations to live more sustainably, supporting a healthier planet for years to come.

Together, We Can Make a Difference

Every small step toward sustainability matters. Whether it’s through reducing food waste, serving more plant-based meals, or supporting local farmers, each choice can add up to a big change.