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The catering team serve up around 2,000 hot and nutritious meals daily to pupils across Orkney’s 21 schools. They first achieved the bronze award in 2020, despite the challenges of the pandemic.

The Council works closely with suppliers including local butcher Williamsons, Orkney Fisherman’s Society, JW Gray, James Wilsons Ltd, Crantit Dairy and Argos Bakery to source fresh, local and sustainable ingredients as part of its Food for Life certified meals.

The Food for Life Served Here Award recognises councils that are serving school meals which are made from fresh ingredients, use free-range eggs and higher welfare meat, and are free from genetically modified ingredients and undesirable additives.

Sarah Duley, head of food at Food for Life Scotland, said: “This is no mean feat, particularly as the cost-of-living crisis and challenged supply chains are having a huge impact on catering services and on budgets. The Food for Life Served Here Award provides a framework through which local authorities can achieve health and climate goals while also balancing costs.

“At this time of intense pressure for local government, achieving the award shows how committed everyone at the Council remains to providing a fantastic school meal service, especially the catering staff. We are delighted to recognise Orkney for continuing to deliver freshly prepared, healthy and sustainable food on school plates, and supporting Scottish food producers and suppliers.”