Alliance in Partnership Hooks Sustainable Fish Certificate

AiP had been purchasing MSC certified fish for some time but, until it had completed the ocean to plate traceability by getting MSC certified, the fish could not be sold as MSC certified sustainable seafood. The company's certification covering the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea contracts demonstrates AiPs commitment to sustainable sourcing.

A certificate handover took place, carried out by independent certifier MacAlister Elliot and Partners, and all of the schools will hold a special promotional day to celebrate the certification.

Amy Teichman, Group Development Chef for AiP at K&C, says: With all of the clear health benefits such as low calories and healthy Omega fats, fish make up a cornerstone of our healthy eating policy. By choosing MSC fish, we are helping to make sure that there are healthy fisheries and oceans around for our students lifetimes so that they may enjoy good health and good fish.

Each day the catering managers are required to record their usage of fish and each month they must report their stock. They then compile a reconciliation of the usage vs. sales every month. It is a much regimented schedule, but it helps to ensure AiP knows how much fish they are using and where its going.

Its also proved to be a good tool to help AiP see which fish the children prefer, helping to inform future menu items. The most popular item at present is the MSC certified Wild Alaskan Pollock Fish Fingers.

In addition, pupils benefit from the MSCs Fish and Kids educational project, which aims to bridge that divide, helping pupils to learn about sustainable food choices both in the classroom and the dining room.

David Weller, AiP Managing Director, says: AiP is committed to reducing our carbon footprint and promoting sustainable food. Logistically, we started by working closely with our supplier, 3663 who carry a wide range of MSC fish and were eager to bring in new items for us to use. We want our menus to send out the right messages.

Ruth Westcott, Commercial Officer for the Marine Stewardship Council, congratulated Alliance in Partnership on their certification: Its vital, when were buying seafood that we look, not just to this generation, but to future generations. Thanks to Alliance in Partnerships commitment, these pupils will be learning about - and eating - sustainable fish as part of that future.

AiP promotes a sustainable stance, demonstrated by its gold, silver and bronze Food For Life Catering Marks. The awards recognise freshly prepared, locally sourced and seasonal organic food.