Eatwell award winners celebrate at Wakefield Town Hall
A special awards ceremony has been at Wakefield Town Hall for businesses that achieved the eatwell award during 2011/2012.
The eatwell award is run in Wakefield by the Trust’s community food and health team in partnership with the environmental health team. It is designed to make it easier for people to find a food outlet that offers and promotes healthier options. All award holders have been assessed so local people can be assured of high quality food and hygiene. To date approximately 180 premises have achieved the award, including schools, residential homes, cafes and takeaways.
This year’s successful businesses were presented with their awards by Wakefield Mayor, Councillor Ros Lund. A number of speakers also attended the event including Councillor Maureen Cummings and the Trust’s head of dietetics Dr Anne Hoyle and community food and health development worker Carrie Fennell.
Speaking about the eatwell award Carrie Fennell said, “We’re working with local food outlets to encourage them to provide healthier food choices with reduced fat, sugar and salt. Those meeting the criteria get our award so local people know where to pick up a healthy meal. This award ceremony for both healthy eating awards was a great opportunity to celebrate with businesses that practise high standards of food quality and hygiene. Together both awards are contributing to improving the health of the local community. ”
Cllr Maureen Cummings, Wakefield Council’s cabinet member for Environment and Communities, added: “These awards were a great way to recognise the high standard of food establishments we have in our district. Customers are more likely to want to visit somewhere that has received one of these awards and it encourages staff and business owners to take pride in their work. It gave me great pleasure to attend the event and celebrate the positive steps these businesses have taken to improve employee wellbeing and their environmental performance.”
Any organisation that serves food can apply to gain the eatwell award. Look out for the eatwell stickers in windows and on menus. A list of outlets with the award are available at www.wakefield.gov.uk/Environment/FoodSafety/eatwell
To find out how to get involved with both awards contact the Environmental Health Department on 01924 305969.
Pictures of this year’s winners below.