News Bulletins
Lovely Lettuce
28 July 2008
In Cater Link's bid to ensure only the freshest produce is used in our contracts, relief chef manager Jackie Smith was sent along to L J Betts farm in West Malling, Kent to see how our lettuces are grown and cared for.
As you can see for yourselves the pictures speak for themselves, so every time you have your lettuce delivered to your unit be assured they have been grown with care and consideration to the environment keeping carbon emissions to a minimum and an average of 25 miles food miles from farm to fork!
Cater Link's Supplier Road Show
23 June 2008
On Thursday 12 June, Cater Link presented the 1st Group Contract Supplier Road show. This event was put together to train our chef managers on the produce they purchase highlighting on sustainability issues and what they can do to help our carbon footprint.
Read the attached newsletter to find out more.
Download: newsletter
Whats for lunch in Camden?
3 May 2008
Following our publication of the new summer menu cycle, we have put toghther a flyer to help you help your child choose what to have for lunch.
This flyer is being distributed by every Cater Link School so look out for it in your childs book bags.
A copy of the flyer is also attached so get clicking and see whats for lunch today in Camden.
Download: Menu Flyer
New menu's are here!
7 April 2008
Take a look at our new 6 week cycle of menus in the menu section.
These menus will run from 21 April till the end of the Summer Term in the Primary Schools.
We have had these menus analyised to ensure they exceed the SFT guidlines.
We hope you enjoy!
Meal numbers increase in Camden
2 April 2008
Meal numbers in Camden increased by 8.1% between April 2006 and March 2007, compared with the same period in 05/06. A survey was recently conducted with schools and 100% of those responding stated that they felt that the school meals service had improved, compared with the previous year.
Extract taken from Camden's Children and Young People's Plan / Annual Review 2007
Cater Link unveil the 'Face of Cater Link'
19 March 2008
Congratulations to Kim Waddle of Chalcot School who was voted 'Face of Cater Link'
The responses from schools nominating staff to be the 'Face of Cater Link' was overwhelming, but after a lot of deliberation Kim was voted to be a joint winner along with Michael Otung.
Congratulations Kim.
You will be seeing Kim and Michael on promotional material coming to you soon.
Steve's Recipe Corner
10 March 2008
With March now upon us, the first Rhubarb of the season is now making an appearance in our green grocers & super markets.
Rhubarb by definition is actually a vegetable, but is often mistaken for a fruit due to its affiliation with classic desserts.
With that said however, lightly sweetened Rhubarb was originally also used as an accompaniment for roast pork, a tradition which is once again becoming fashionable.
The leaves of the Rhubarb plant are famously poisonous and can cause stomach pains, sickness and even death in severe cases. A fact which held back the cultivation and general consumption of the Rhubarb stalk until the early 1800's.
Download: Rhubarb Crumble Recipe
Coming Soon - New Summer Menus
5 March 2008
From 7 April you will be able to see the scrummy new summer menus which come into force from Monday 21 April.
We will also be holding taster sessions in a school near you to try some of the new dishes.
The dates and locations of these sessions will be advertised on the web site and at the schools.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Broccoli why it's good for you!
4 February 2008
Broccoli was developed in Italy and is well established as one of the major anti-cancer foods. Over the past 20 years, numerous studies have concluded again and again that people who eat an abundance of broccoli have fewer cancers.
Broccoli contains some 3% protein and is one of the richest vegetable sources of calcium, iron and magnesium. Moreover, broccoli is very rich in vitamins A and C, exceeding even oranges in the concentration of the latter.
Broccoli can be eaten raw in salads or with dips, or it can be steamed and eaten as is, or served with a light dressing or sauce.
Download: Broccoli
Meet your Operations Manager and her team
14 December 2007
Tracy Jackson is Operations Manager responsible for the London Borough of Camden School Meals Contract.
Tracy joined the team on 11th June 2007 and previously held a similar role at the London Borough of Hounslow. Tracy's experience and dedication to school meals ensures we have the best person working for the good of Camden School Meals.
Tracy's team include
Sharon Goatley, Senior Area Support Manager
Sharon has worked for Cater Link for a number of years and is passionate about fresh food. With a chefing background Sharon is instrumental in training the Camden team.
Pauline Barlow, Area Support Manager
Pauline worked for a number of years as Chef Manager in a Cater Link school before her promotion, this experience and knowledge helps Pauline lead the way within the school kitchens
Steve Acton, Executive Chef
Steve complies all the menus listening to the feedback of schools, pupils and teaching staff to ensure all tastes are catered for. Steve also assists on the tasting sessions and training aspects needed to produce fresh food in the school kitchens.
Are you getting your 5 per day
14 December 2007
5 intresting facts about banana's!
Bananas have twice as much vitamin C as apples, pears and grapes
Bananas have been grown for over 1 million years
Bananas do not actually grow on trees, they grow on giant herbs related to the Lily and Orchid family
Bananas are good to eat before and after sport to replenish carbohydrates and glycogen burned during exercise
Bananas are also high in potassium which can help keep your heart, nervous system and kidneys healthy
Healthy cooking
13 December 2007
What is healthy cooking?
Healthy cooking is retaining the balance of nutrients in foods, whilst making them safe and enjoyable to eat.
Why bother?
A recent survey has revealed that 1 in 3 British children is overweight and 1 in 7 is obese. That is 1.8 million overweight children. Long term obesity is known to cause many problems including heart disease, diabetes and cancer. The problem is that when you are young you think everything won't happen to me. Only when it's too late do we realise that yes it can happen to me.
By improving the diets of children at a young age, we can encourage healthy eating habits and reduce the risk of problems in adult life.
Another benefit of a healthy diet is better sleep at night and being more alert during the day.
see the attached handout for some handy tips.
Download: Healthy Cooking Document