East Lothian Council retains Food for Life silver award

East Lothian Council has retained its Food for Life Served Here (FFLSH) silver award for the fifth year, which recognises its continued commitment to providing nutritious, sustainable and locally sourced school meals.  

The award scheme is run by Soil Association Scotland and funded by the Scottish Government. To achieve the silver award, councils must meet a range of standards designed to support children’s health, the environment and local food producers.  

As a silver award holder, East Lothian Council is required to spent at least 5 per cent of its ingredient budget on organic produce and support local suppliers. This builds on the bronze award criteria, which requires at least 75 per cent of dishes to be freshly prepared using fresh, whole and minimally processed ingredients. 

Meals must also be free from undesirable trans fats, sweeteners and additives, while also using free range eggs, higher-welfare meat and ingredients sourced from sustainable and ethical suppliers. 

To keep the award, the council underwent an independent assessment and inspection across its school meal service to ensure the food being served met the standards of the award. The council has held its FFLSH bronze award since 2013 and first achieved silver status in 2022. 

Vanessa Sanal, Service Manager with the council’s Facilities Management Services, said: “Facilities Management are extremely proud to have retained the Food for Life Served Here silver award. This achievement reflects the team's ongoing commitment to providing quality, nutritious, and sustainably sourced food for children across East Lothian’s 37 primary schools and nurseries. 

“Retaining this award demonstrates our dedication to supporting health, wellbeing, and positive food experiences for those we serve every day.” 

Around 5,000 Food for Life meals are served each day across East Lothian’s 37 primary schools and nurseries, providing children with nutritious, sustainable and locally sources food while supporting the council’s commitment to the council’s high-quality school catering.