The mental health provider held a celebration event for both patients and staff which gave them the opportunity to meet local suppliers, sample their produce and learn about the steps that were taken to gain the award.
A Soil Association representative presented the charity’s catering team and Chief Finance Officer, Tom Harris, with the silver award.
Gareth Waters, Head of Restaurants and Catering for St Andrew’s, said: “Becoming the first independent mental health provider in the country and only one of three hospitals to achieve the Silver Catering Mark is an outstanding achievement and testament to the hard work and commitment of our catering team.
“We are committed to sourcing ingredients locally to ensure we get the freshest seasonal produce for our patients. Good nutrition is an important part of our patients’ recovery and as such remains a priority for us at St Andrew’s.”
The Food for Life Catering Mark recognises food providers who prepare meals which meet high standards of traceability, freshness and provenance. The Silver Catering Mark means that at least five per cent of total ingredient spend is on organic ingredients, and that menus make use of ingredients, and that menus make use of ingredients produced locally and in the UK.
St Andrew’s Northampton was also awarded Hospitality Assured’s Premier Status and Team of the Year 2014 this year, alongside their Silver Award win.