Sustainable Catering and Procurement

Consumers are increasingly aware of the food they eat and the negative impact it has on our world, particularly:

  • waste
  • packaging
  • food miles
  • carbon footprint
  • animal welfare

EAT@NEWCASTLE recognises its responsibility to carry out its catering activities in an environmentally and socially responsible manner. Implementing a Healthy and Sustainable Food Policy (PDF : 214KB) presents the University with the opportunity to set an example by improving the sustainability of its own catering services and supply chain, and to help influence the market-place to encourage the development of new, more sustainable goods and services.

Positive impacts of sustainable food production and consumption include:

  • managing the negative impacts
  • contribution to improved health by helping customers make healthier choices through healthier eating practices
  • improved food quality and security
  • improved standards for workers throughout the supply chain

Under the University’s Healthy and Sustainable Food Policy (PDF : 214KB) food will be prepared and served under the following principles:
• Fresh food you can trust
Menus based around food that is freshly prepared on-site or at a local hub from predominantly unprocessed ingredients, free from controversial additives and trans fats.

• Championing local food producers
Investing in the local community and local economy, reconnecting people with where their food comes from and how it is produced.

• Making healthy eating easier
Making it easier for people to choose healthy meals free from trans fats and undesirable additives. The emphasis is on serving an appetising and nutritious balance of good quality, freshly prepared foods rather than on providing nutritionally reformulated processed foods.

Food will be sourced and purchased in line with the University’s Sustainable Procurement Policy (PDF : 124KB). Food producers will be vetted on both the quality of their goods and hygiene of their premises.

Details of recognition and awards in relation to our commitment to sustainability can be found in the Accreditation and Fairtrade sections.