Sustainability
Creating a more sustainable future through nutritious menus, responsible sourcing and reducing food waste.
At Shire Services, sustainability is embedded throughout our service. From developing nutritious menus and sourcing quality ingredients to minimising waste and reducing our environmental impact, we are committed to making a positive difference for schools, communities and the planet.
PLANT-RICH CHOICES
Good for children's health. Good for the planet.
We are committed to offering a wide variety of nutritious, plant-rich meals across our school menus. By increasing the use of vegetables, pulses, beans, lentils and wholegrains, we help pupils enjoy meals that are both delicious and balanced.
Many of our dishes also incorporate additional vegetables, beans and lentils within recipes, helping to increase fibre, plant diversity and nutritional value while maintaining the flavours children know and enjoy.
Plant-rich foods provide important fibre, vitamins and minerals that support children's health and wellbeing while encouraging positive eating habits from an early age. Alongside supporting healthy eating, plant-rich meals can help reduce the environmental impact of school food, contributing to a more sustainable future. Our plant-rich menus are supported by initiatives and activities that encourage children to explore and enjoy a wider variety of vegetables, pulses and plant-rich ingredients.
Our menus have been recognised with the ProVeg School Plates Bronze Award for our commitment to healthier, more sustainable school meals.
Our Partnership with ProVeg UK
Proud holders of the ProVeg School Plates Bronze Award
We are proud to work with ProVeg UK through its School Plates programme, helping us develop nutritious, sustainable and plant-rich menu options for schools.
Through this partnership, we continue to increase the range of plant-rich dishes available across our menus while supporting children's health and reducing the environmental impact of school meals.
Local Sourcing & Provenance
We prioritise fresh, local ingredients wherever possible, building strong relationships with trusted suppliers who share our commitment to quality and sustainability.
Our food procurement strategy emphasises provenance, traceability and value, supporting the local economy while helping to reduce food miles.
Economic & Environmental Sustainability
Shropshire Good Food Partnership
We are proud members of the Shropshire Good Food Partnership and supporters of the Good Food Charter, working alongside partners across the county to strengthen a local food system that is good for people, place and planet.
Through this collaboration, and as part of the Sustainable Food Places network, we contribute to a more resilient, fair and environmentally responsible food future for Shropshire.
Reporting & Transparency
Donation Programmes
To further reduce food waste, we partner with local charities and community organisations.
This includes collaborations such as our work with Shrewsbury Food Hub, helping to ensure surplus food is redistributed where it is needed most.
Reducing Waste & Maximising Resources
We are committed to exploring new ways to minimise waste and improve resource efficiency.
This includes supporting schools with composting initiatives, reducing food waste through redistribution and donation programmes, encouraging recycling, and using biodegradable or reusable packaging wherever possible.
We also work with schools to educate pupils about environmentally responsible behaviours that extend beyond the dining room and into everyday life.