Cheshire East Council's commitment to using only free-range eggs in school meals has won national recognition. The authority has joined top companies including Marks & Spencer and Sainsbury's in becoming a recipient of a 'Good Egg' award from farm animal welfare charity Compassion in World Farming. The accolade celebrates public and private sector organisations committed to sourcing eggs exclusively from cage-free hens.
Councillor Hilda Gaddum, Cabinet member with responsibility for children and families, said: "As the provider of more than 17,000 school meals each day, we have a duty to ensure we use our buying power to provide healthy, sustainable, socially responsible and economic food.
"We currently buy around 11,200 eggs per week, so the switch to free-range, which took place earlier this year, represents a big change and we are delighted to receive a Good Egg award.
"We are proud to support suppliers who provide healthy produce at reasonable prices while showing an awareness of animal welfare issues."
Rowen West-Henzell, Compassion in World Farming's Head of Food Business, said: "We congratulate Cheshire East Council for going cage-free and hope that other councils will follow its example.
"All local authorities have a clear opportunity to lead the way in animal welfare standards, ahead of the 2012 EU ban on barren battery cages.
"Central and local government offices are important users of eggs, with most providing food for employees and supplying local contracts including schools, residential units and social services."
