A COUNCIL-RUN catering service has received national recognition for the quality of its products.

Staff at Hampshire County Council’s HC3S were presented with a Food For Life Served Here (Bronze) Award from the Soil Association.

The association praised the company’s fresh, high quality food, which it delivers to thousands of customers across Hampshire and beyond, which includes 444 primary schools in Hampshire and 21 secondary schools.

The authority’s member for economic development, councillor Mel Kendal, said: “HC3S has a fantastic track record of using fresh and locally sourced ingredients to produce nutritious, high quality food for its customers.

“Over the years, HC3S staff have forged collaborative and innovative projects with industry partners and local suppliers, ensuring not only that the Hampshire economy is supported but that customers get the very best for their money.

“Congratulations to the team for this latest award. It’s a clear signal to customers that Hampshire keeps leading the way in raising the bar for food standards, and HC3S should be proud of that.”

Ian Nutt, head of development for the Soil Association Food for Life, said: “We are delighted to have awarded Hampshire County Council Catering Services our Bronze Award, recognising that much the food on their school menus is freshly prepared, is always free from undesirable trans fats, sweeteners and additives, is cooked by trained chefs, and uses ingredients from sustainable and ethical sources.

“This is a fantastic achievement validates the hard work and commitment from everyone involved in the County Council’s school meal service.”