The University of Edinburgh has been awarded “top marks” for its healthy and sustainable food offerings.
It becomes the first higher education provider to be accredited by RaisingNutrition, a social enterprise focussed on improving health and wellbeing through nutrition.
The university was “commended for its emphasis on using colourful vegetables, fruits, proteins and wholegrains, and for reducing the frequency and portion size of less healthy items.”
The accreditation recognises a push by the university to offer healthier alternatives on campus, a move it believes will help “students make informed food choices that help [to] maintain their energy and focus, and that support [their] ability to study effectively.”
RaisingNutrition highlighted that the university is also offering a wide range of affordable options that cater to various cultural and dietary needs, including by providing plant-based, gluten and dairy free options across campus, including in catered accomodations.
The use of fresh, seasonal ingredients from local suppliers and iniatives aimed at reducing food waste is also credited as helping to reduce the environmental impact of the unviersity’s carbon footprint.
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Carina Svensen, executive director of accomodation, catering & event services at Edinburgh University said: “The health and wellbeing of our students is at the heart of everything we do, so it is a true honour to be the first university in the UK to receive a RaisingNutrition accreditation.
“This reflects years of collaborative effort to embed health and sustainability into every aspect of our food offering.”
Jenna Mosimann, CEO of RaisingNutrition, said: “The University of Edinburgh is showing how institutions can lead the way towards a better food future.
“By making healthier food the norm, they are supporting student wellbeing today and shaping healthier habits for tomorrow.”
The announcement coincides with World Food Day 2025 (Thursday 16th October), a UN initiative to promote awareness and action for global hunger, while also encouraging healthier diets for alls.
RaisingNutrition works with the University Caterers Organisation (TUCO) to provide nutrition training to catering teams at universities across the country, and has accredited care homes, schools, conference centres and corporate caterers to date.
It works with organisations to empower healthier food choices, working to find a way to make nutrional options the norm, realising that even if an individual wants to eat healthier, it’s often not possible because of what’s available where they study, work and visit.
