Sustainable food

GLA group signs up to secure Olympics food legacy to deliver sustainable, healthier food across the capital

The Mayor announced on 6 December 2010 that extensive sustainability requirements will be included in GLA Group catering contracts. The first of its type across such a large UK organisation, the commitment demonstrates how organisations procure their food can have large positive impacts: from 2012, GLA group staff and visitors will eat healthier, and see more environmentally sustainable food produced to higher welfare standards.

By insisting on higher food standards, London's public sector food purchasing has the collective clout to influence farming, production and catering standards. Members of the GLA group are the first to sign up to the commitment - all pledging that by 2012, or when catering contracts are next up for renewal, sustainability requirements will be included in all contracts. This will be achieved without any extra overall costs.

Rosie Boycott, Chair of London Food, said: “Sustainable food is good, it’s safe, healthy, and profitable. I believe that it is our responsibility to support this through our contracts to create a healthy and sustainable food future.’

GLA Group Sustainable Food Procurement Commitment PDF