Harvest season is nearly upon us. And so is the biggest celebration of all things edible in the UK: British Food Fortnight.
In two weeks, the 23rd annual Fortnight opens. Then for two weeks, those who participate in it will be engulfed by a wave of festivities and promotions in their local communities, universities, schools and NHS facilities.
September 20-October 6 might be the most important time of the year for many reasons. But first and foremost is the reminder that the quality of what we grow and produce here is worthy of being highlighted. Organizers expect this to be the biggest event they’ve ever had.
“We are thrilled to see British Food Fortnight growing stronger each year,” Love British Food Founder Alexia Robinson says. “This celebration is about more than just food; it’s about community and sustainability. We are excited to partner with Morrisons, who have been exceptional leaders on British food and farming. With so many exciting activities planned, we hope everyone will join us in celebrating the very best of British food.”
Morrisons and Love British Food signed a three-year partnership recently, so the timing of the launch is brilliant. Love British Food plans to release a set of ‘wishes’ for a national food strategy, to be presented at the Labour Party Conference with top chefs signing a letter discussing challenges in sourcing.
Meanwhile, the retailer plans to champion British food as well as host tours of stores and farms for customers in celebrating the Fortnight.
“At Morrisons we love British food and are delighted to be partnering with British Food Fortnight,” David Scott, Director of Morrisons Corporate Affairs, says. “We share the ambition for affordable fresh food to be available to everyone – it’s one of our core values.”
Scott is also one of the judges for The British Food Fortnight Community Competition, which honors individuals and volunteer organisations who make “good food available for all.”
“The stark reality is that not everyone has access to good food,” says Liz Earle, wellbeing entrepreneur and broadcaster, who will lead the judging panel. “So the spotlight of this competition on the availability and affordability of good food for all is something I feel deeply strongly about.”
In addition to community support, more than 2,800 schools, 10 universities and 20 hospitals will feature British food on their menus. Foodservice organisations such as Aramark, Sodexo, Chartwells and Brakes are also participating with special promotions and events.
