Royal Holloway has been shortlisted for a Public Sector Catering Award in the University Catering Award category. To reach the short list, we were required to demonstrate our commitment to sustainability as well as detailing how our recognition of customer trends and creative approach to foodservice in our commercial catering operations have lead to an improved customer experience.
In recognition of the fact that world cultures are moving away from carnivorous based diets to more vegetarian and vegan led dishes, the catering team at Royal Holloway has strived to deliver menus that offer a reduction in meat choices balanced with promoting vegan and vegetarian alternatives which are more cost effective, allow stocks to replenish and contribute towards the reduction of greenhouse gases.
Additionally, the team ensures that menus are sensitive to the different cultures of the University’s diverse customer base while responding to their increased curiosity regarding nutritional data and their desire to develop healthy eating habits. To support this trend, a series of Healthy Eating commitments have been developed to ensure that our customers understand the quality and benefit of healthy eating and how their menu choices can impact their overall wellbeing.
Healthier menu choices are clearly signposted on menus with a dedicated Eat Well logo and the University’s online catering portal, which is widely accessible to customers, details the nutritional content of every dish as well its allergens and carbon footprint.
The cost of living crisis, has necessitated creativity in providing affordable options, that still deliver in terms of quality. An Everyday Value range has been introduced in all catering outlets which includes meal deals, hot grab and go snacks, soups and budget sandwich ranges at very affordable prices. These cheaper alternatives are highlighted by a bespoke Everyday Value logo on menus, counters and shelf strips.
Customer feedback via surveys is regularly invited with subsequent “You said we did” actions put in place and clearly communicated. Recent actions include the addition of wholly vegan and Indian themed hospitality menus.
The University’s catering sustainability policy is publicly available to all and supports the overall University sustainability policy. Up-dated annually, it sets out what initiatives have already been taken, actions that the team is committed to achieving in the current academic year as well as priorities for the following year.
