Embracing Plant-Based Excellence

This training, aimed at enhancing catering services, was conducted by expert tutors from the Vegetarian Society Cookery School.

In late 2023, Maz and Nikita from the Vegetarian Society Cookery School team had the pleasure of visiting St John’s, an Independent Day School for Boys aged 3-13 in Northwood, Middlesex. The school, already proud of its dedication to healthy lunch options, sought specialised vegetarian and vegan training for its catering team.

Cara Demetriades, the Bursar at St John’s, shared her insights on the experience: “When looking for vegetarian-specific training suitable for a school catering team, the Vegetarian Society Cookery School seemed to fit our needs perfectly,” said Demetriades. Describing the day as exceptional, she noted the positive experience for the team, many of whom were initially sceptical about the training.”

The highlight of the training, according to the Bursar, was the trainers’ skill in engaging every staff member, even those initially resistant to vegetarian and vegan options. “There was a fantastic energy and positivity to the training. Staff also really enjoyed trying the dishes,” she added.

Cara also gave an insight into the immediate wins from the training: “We have implemented a number of the dishes the team were taught in our menu cycle this term, staff are really enjoying them and we are encouraging the children to give these new options a try.  I also felt the training helped to establish a stronger sense of team.” The next step for St. John’s is to involve pupils in finding ways to encourage more boys to explore the new plant-based options.

Sam Linford-Platt, Head of the Vegetarian Society Cookery School said: “It’s great to hear about how the training has made a real difference to St Johns and that they’ve already been able to implement new activity in their menu planning and catering. For any school catering team who want to increase their vegetarian and vegan options and are not sure where to start, we can show you how to deliver suitable vegetarian and vegan options with our School Catering Training. We work with schools and councils across the country, teaching catering staff how to make sustainable plant-based food.”

“As part of the training, we will provide you with a full year’s (three terms) worth of recipe packs, costed for school budgets. These meals have been created by award-winning school chefs, Tony Mulgrew and Lyndon McLeod, and are designed for bulk cooking in canteens. Plus, they’re carbon-calculated, so your school can show it’s doing its bit for the planet too.”

The Vegetarian Society Cookery School works with restaurants, hospitals and schools across the UK to enhance their vegetarian and vegan offerings. To find out more visit https://vegsoc.org/schoolcateringtraining

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