Sizewell C sets target to source majority of food for workforce locally

Sizewell C has set a target of sourcing the majority of the food it provides to its site workforce from the region.

The major nuclear energy project is aiming to source 80 per cent of its food from local providers.

The new target would be a substantial regional investment, with the potential for nearly 8,000 workers on site at peak construction.

It is estimated the cumulative food and product value will amount to just under £60 million over the 12-year construction period.

Damian Leydon, Sizewell C site delivery director, said: “Suffolk is well known for being a foodie county, and it’s a no-brainer for us to tap into and support local suppliers and local produce.

“We’ve made a long-term commitment to maximise the benefits of Sizewell C for East Suffolk and help build economic growth here – and this local supply target is another powerful way for us to achieve that.”

Mr Leydon added the local preference will be a case of balancing with the need to provide affordable meals on site, but is looking forward to working with providers to deliver ‘quality catering’ for the workforce.

This comes as part of a wider series of catering commitments to enhance the social and environmental benefits of the project.

These include a rigorous food waste policy, minimising single-use plastics and the creation of an offsite central preparation kitchen (CPK).

Sizewell C will engage with local food sharing schemes and foodbanks to minimise waste and deliver social benefits to the area, as well as recycling through anaerobic digestion.

The offsite CPK is set to offer apprenticeships for aspiring caterers in the area and will also reduce the number and distance of delivery journeys.

Products Sizewell C will seek to source from the area include apples, pears, strawberries, carrots, potatoes, onions, eggs, bacon, sausages, pork, sugar, coffee, and bakery items.

It is estimated at least £125m will be spent in the local community each year during the construction of the new nuclear power station.