British Food Fortnight returns from 20th September to 6th October 2024, marking its 23rd year as the UK’s leading celebration of British food. Set during the harvest season, this national event promises a bigger and better celebration, featuring activities, promotions, and events across the country that highlight the quality and diversity of British food.
This year, Morrisons is the official retail partner, continuing its commitment to supporting British food and farming. Morrisons will engage customers nationwide with farm tours, in-store activities, and special promotions showcasing British produce. In partnership with Love British Food, the fortnight will also see participation from schools, hospitals, universities, and care homes, all celebrating British food on their menus.
Liz Earle, a wellbeing entrepreneur and long-time supporter of British Food Fortnight, will be leading the judging panel for the British Food Fortnight Community Competition. She shared her excitement about the competition’s focus on making good food accessible to everyone, stating: “I have been involved in British Food Fortnight for over a decade. I love how the event inspires communities to celebrate the wonderful food we produce in this country. But the stark reality is that not everyone has access to good food. So the spotlight of this competition on the availability and affordability of good food for all is something I feel deeply strongly about, particularly in my role as Commissioner for the Social Justice Commission. I am delighted to be the lead judge. If you are an individual or organisation working hard to make ‘Good food available to all’ in your community, we want to hear from you!”
David Scott, Director of Corporate Affairs at Morrisons, echoed these sentiments, saying: “At Morrisons, we love British food and are delighted to be partnering with British Food Fortnight. We share the ambition for affordable fresh food to be available to everyone – it’s one of our core values. So I’m honoured to be on the judging panel for this competition which profiles and rewards the unsung heroes in our community who are helping to ensure more people can enjoy great British food.”
In addition to the competition, British Food Fortnight will introduce the new Great British Pie Challenge, inviting chefs from schools, hospitals, and the hospitality sector to compete in crafting the ultimate British pie. Judged by Michelin-starred chef Phil Howard and Master Chefs of GB’s Ben Bartlett, the competition has already sparked significant interest.
Over 2,800 schools, 10 universities, and 20 hospitals, as well as numerous care homes, will be participating, promoting British food through nutritious and sustainable menus. Major food service organisations such as Aramark, Sodexo, and Brakes will also join the celebration with special events and promotions.
The fortnight will conclude with the National Harvest Service at Southwark Cathedral in London, in partnership with City Harvest, a food charity that redistributes 1.2 million meals each month to those in need. The Harvest Torch, which has travelled from Peterborough, will arrive in London for the service, supported by Her Majesty The Queen, who initiated the tradition in 2013.
British Food Fortnight 2024 promises a dynamic program of activities aimed at engaging and inspiring communities, businesses, and the public sector to embrace and celebrate the best of British food. From farm visits and school menus to national competitions, the event underscores the importance of making good food accessible to all.
For more information, visit Love British Food.