School catering specialist Olive Dining is proudly supporting the 24th annual British Food Fortnight, a flagship campaign by the not-for-profit organisation Love British Food dedicated to celebrating the richness and diversity of food produced across the UK. Running from 26th September to 12th October 2025, the event has become a cornerstone for raising awareness about British produce, engaging hundreds of schools, universities, hospitals, care homes, pubs, restaurants, and shops nationwide. Olive Dining's involvement highlights the importance of local sourcing and educating young people about sustainable food practices, reflecting its core values of nutrition, sustainability, and community.

To mark the beginning of British Food Fortnight, Olive Dining co-founders Stephanie Spratt and Chris Whitter visited Watts Farm in Kent, one of their long-term local suppliers. This visit symbolised their ongoing commitment to supporting British agriculture and sustainable sourcing. During the campaign, Olive Dining is organising various activities and events in the schools they serve, designed specifically to teach students about the origins of their food and the significance of locally grown produce. Moreover, students are being encouraged to enter a competition to win a British food hamper, while a special Love British Food-themed menu is being served on 30th September in numerous primary and secondary schools across London and the South East. The menu features traditional British dishes such as cottage pie, bangers and mash, roast Tandoori chicken, sticky toffee pudding, and an autumn orchard crumble, all featuring seasonal and locally sourced ingredients.

The theme for this year’s British Food Fortnight is “Strengthening the roots that bind us,” built around three pillars: Grow British, Cook British, and Champion British. These aims encourage businesses to prioritise British-sourced produce on their menus, support local producers, and celebrate the UK’s culinary heritage. Stephanie Spratt, CEO of Olive Dining, remarked that the campaign presents a valuable opportunity to educate young people about the importance of British farming and to foster a sense of community through shared dining experiences.

This year, British Food Fortnight has seen record participation within the public sector, with more than 3,000 schools, over 40 hospitals, and hundreds of care homes taking part, reflecting a growing national emphasis on reconnecting people with fresh, nutritious British food. Public sector caterers play a crucial role by promoting seasonal British produce, thus supporting the food supply chain and reinforcing the campaign’s goals. According to industry reports, this widespread involvement highlights the vital connection between public sector institutions and the nation’s farmers and producers.

Further bolstering the campaign’s reach and impact is Love British Food’s partnership with supermarket chain Morrisons, which has been named the exclusive supermarket partner for the next three years. Morrisons is actively promoting British produce during the fortnight, showcasing autumn’s best British meat, fish, and vegetables through in-store displays and community engagement initiatives. This collaboration aims to encourage shoppers across the UK to support British farmers and producers by choosing British-grown products.

Additionally, the campaign benefits from a partnership with the Soil Association’s Food for Life programme, which shares the mission to improve food quality and sustainability across public sector catering and hospitality. Together, these organisations advocate for shorter, more sustainable supply chains that embed British food at the heart of institutional food service settings such as schools and hospitals.

Founded in 2012, Olive Dining operates primarily in London and the South East, providing bespoke catering services to schools. The family-run company focuses on delivering fresh, nutritious meals that not only promote health but also champion British produce and sustainability. Its active participation in British Food Fortnight demonstrates a firm commitment to these values, encouraging the next generation to appreciate the heritage and sustainability of local food production.

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Source: Noah Wire Services