17 June 2026
Tuesday was one of those magical days when you think “THAT’S why I do what I do”. Food for Life’s Northern Networks came together for a half-day of inspiration, sharing, discussion, and action – thanks to our friends at QuornPro for hosting; and what a special day it was.
Tim Radcliffe, NHS England’s NHS Net Zero Lead blazed the trail as our first speaker. We were held in rapt attention to one of the most inspirational speeches any of us had heard in a long while. Tim’s theme was that catering teams in the NHS really, really care.
Care through food is central to a patient’s healing journey. Care that’s also extended to hard working staff, whose gruelling shifts are made more bearable by a wholesome meal, made with love, from worthy ingredients. Amazing cooks and food scientists that innovate, because they care. Tim credited Food for Life Served Here standards with providing a foundation that “gives caterers a practical route for achieving change”, and gives much needed recognition for the incredible work these unsung heroes do, 365 days a year, night and day.
Andrew Cowan from Bury Catering was up next. Andrew has completely transformed the school meal landscape in Bury, with his unstoppable optimism and no nonsense, can-do attitude. Children in Bury Catering’s schools now eat freshly made food that’s mostly organic – and without busting the budget.
Andrew shared that Food for Life Served Here made employees feel valued. They receive regular feedback about the positive contribution to the school day, because their food is life changing. That’s why we do what we do.
Our final session explored the knotty questions around mandatory standards, giving a voice to caterers and suppliers whose concerns don’t always feel listened to by governments. These insights have been passed to FFL’s Policy team and are feeding into the School Food Standards review. Rob Percival, Food for Life’s Head of Food Policy, has pledged to bring them to the table at every possible occasion over the coming months. Caterers, suppliers: Believe. You are heard now!
And finally, as you’d expect with a huge room full to the brim with passionate foodies, the event concluded with a slap-up healthy lunch, and mouth-watering cooking demo from the lovely people at QuornPro. Full hearts, full bellies. Job done.
