Nutritious nosh has helped Ashridge Business School become the first organisation to be accredited by Food for the Brain (FftB), an organisation that promotes awareness of how good food can help improve the mind.
The Hertfordshire–based college, which specialises in managerial and executive training and development, won accreditation after FftB checked the preparation, cooking, quality and type of food it offers delegates. The assessment covered 130 nutritional criteria.
FtfB chief executive Patrick Holford said the accreditation process is based on two visits. The first involves an initial assessment of menu design, food used, cooking processes and staff knowledge of nutrition and food preparation and sourcing.
FtfB will also give relevant advice at this stage. During the second visit, FtfB representatives assess whether the organisation concerned has taken its advice on board and made any relevant changes to its processes before accrediting.
Accreditation focuses on the provision of fresh fruit and vegetables, reducing the amount of red meat dishes on daily menus, the minimal use of hydrogenated fats in cooking, and the use of locally sourced products.
“Provision of alcohol is not relevant to the process,” said Holford.
“Eating the right type of foods can improve IQ, increase concentration and memory, sustain energy levels, create better co-ordination and even improve moods,” said Ashridge’s food production manager Graham Rusling.
Ashridge, as part of the accreditation process, will train its staff on the importance of nutrition and food provenance. Holford said Ashridge had “made great steps in providing a balanced range of food for its customers and staff”.
He added that other organisations “are in the pipeline” for FftB accreditation.
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