Recently we have been working hard in the kitchen in giving the academy menu a complete overhaul. This has included a deliberate decision to use quality local suppliers, brilliant fresh produce, and working to reduce the levels of saturated foods available. As a result, we have improved the range of options available for students, providing very tasty quality meals, and there has been a huge 380% increase in the purchase of hot meals by students and staff at lunchtime.

Using local suppliers is very important to us as we look to reduce our carbon footprint and support local businesses – a much more sustainable way of working. These suppliers include purchasing a variety of meats from throughout Nottinghamshire, free-range eggs from Lincoln, vegetables from Sheffield, milk from Hockerton and even venison from Sherwood Forest! All fish used in our kitchen also must carry the Marine Stewardship Council accreditation, showing that it is sustainably farmed.

We are also extremely proud that we hold a 5 star food hygiene rating from the Food Standards Agency – we also hold Gold Soil Association accreditation, as everything we sell is organic.

The academy is committed to providing the best quality food for our students, from a brilliant kitchen with very hard-working staff, and ensuring our environmental impact is minimised by our selection of local suppliers. If you have any questions about our academy meals or kitchen, please contact Mrs Crutchley via email@ jcrutchley@queenelizabeths-ac.org.uk