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Last week, Neel Radia, NACC National Chair, and Sophie Murray, Love British Food Care Ambassador, proudly represented the National Association of Care Catering (NACC) at the National Harvest Service held at Westminster Abbey. The event, attended by Her Majesty The Queen, marked the culmination of British Food Fortnight and took place on World Food Day.

Organised by Love British Food, the National Harvest Service brought together over 2,000 guests from across the food, farming and charitable sectors to celebrate the harvest and give thanks to those who produce and distribute food throughout the UK. The service also served as a reminder of those affected by hunger and food insecurity.

In a message shared for the occasion, His Majesty King Charles III paid tribute to the “custodians of our land,” acknowledging the resilience of farmers who continue to face the challenges of a changing climate. He also expressed gratitude to volunteers and organisations working to ensure surplus food reaches those most in need.

The service featured readings from Charles Dance OBE, Matt Baker MBE, and Poet Laureate Simon Armitage, who composed a special poem for the Queen. The congregation included representatives from leading farming organisations, government, the food industry, and charitable groups, as well as schoolchildren and well-known public figures including Rick Stein, Ross Kemp, and Dame Arlene Phillips.

Founder of Love British Food, Alexia Robinson, emphasised the importance of the service in celebrating the country’s farmers and producers while recognising the ongoing need to support those struggling with food poverty. Partnerships with organisations such as Trussell Trust, The Felix Project, Coronation Food Project, and City Harvest were also highlighted, reinforcing the collective commitment to tackling hunger across the UK.

A symbolic Harvest Torch, which had travelled across the country in recent months, was carried into the Abbey by NFU President Tom Bradshaw. Following the service, all food displays were distributed by City Harvest and The Felix Project to community initiatives supporting vulnerable individuals and families.

Speaking after the event, Neel Radia said:

“It was an honour for the NACC to be invited to represent the care sector at this year’s National Harvest Service. The event was a powerful reminder of the importance of food, community, and the people behind every meal served across the country.”

For more details, read the full Love British Food press release here
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