21.11.07
Finalist receives special commendation at UK awards
Roy Heath from Cornwall received a special commendation at the Food and Farming Industry Awards 2007 on Friday 16th November for Food Farming Personality of the Year. Roy’s hard work on an NHS food programme earned him the Judges Special Commendation Award.
As sustainable food procurement manager for the Cornwall Food Programme, based at the Royal Cornwall Hospital in Truro, Roy was nominated for Food Farming Personality of the Year and short-listed with seven other finalists.
The awards ceremony, held at the House of Commons, recognised those in the food and farming industry that have promoted British food through buying from small-scale rural producers.
On receiving the award, Roy said: “It was a pleasure to compete with others in the food and farming industry that also strive to bring British produce to the forefront. I didn’t expect to win the award, so receiving a special commendation was a lovely surprise.”
Roy has worked with the NHS in Cornwall to initiate a programme that seeks to provide locally sourced, fresh produce for hospital patients. Since 2002, the programme has identified several local suppliers and growers to purchase produce from, therefore reducing ‘food miles’.
Supported by Objective One and the Soil Association, Roy Heath and Mike Pearson, project director, have forged links within Cornwall to reduce ‘carbon footprinting’ and create environmental awareness throughout the region.
Carleen Kelemen, Director of the Objective One Partnership, said: “Roy is a winner of winners for patients, local producers and the environment in Cornwall. His vision and commitment has created something special here in Cornwall which will benefit our communities and food sector for many years to come.”
Lezli Boswell, chief executive of the Cornwall Partnership NHS Trust said: “We congratulate Roy on becoming runner-up for the award. Between seven others, he’s done extremely well to receive a special accolade.”
Mike Pearson said: “We’re all proud that Roy was specially commended. His hard work and determination on the food programme should be praised, particularly for working with local suppliers to secure contracts.”
Sponsored by McDonalds, the Food Farming Personality of the Year Award was won by Peter Kendall, president of the National Farmers’ Union.
For further information please contact Kate Williams, Ashley Public Relations, on 01579 370991.
The Objective One Programme for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly has invested in the Cornwall NHS Food Programme through the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund (EAGGF).
Editor's notes:
Roy first worked in the RAF for 24 years, representing the RAF in Catering competitions gaining National and International Awards throughout that time. Being made redundant in 2000 gave Roy the drive to start two companies and find work with the Eden Project a year later as Chef Production Manager. Having worked with many organisations and projects including the RAF and Eden Project, Roy eventually came to work for the NHS Cornwall Partnership Trust in 2004.
Cornwall Food Programme
The Cornwall Food Programme is a commitment from the Cornwall Healthcare NHS trusts, to provide fresh healthy food for patients and to support local suppliers, growers and producers. The trusts offer long term contracts to encourage local businesses to develop and grow.
The programme is dependent upon and grateful for the support of Objective One, The Soil association, Organic Southwest, the NHS Purchasing and Supply Agency, Department of Health, Regional Development Agency, and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).
Food and Farming Industry Awards 2007
Other finalists that competed for the award included:
- Wilfred Emmanuel-Jones
- Brian Pack
- James Hague
- Peter Kendall
- Christine Tacon
- Miriam Parker
- Rob Drysdale
Clare Morgan
Media Relations Manager
Objective One Partnership Office
Castle House
Pydar Street
Truro TR1 2UD
Mobile: 07973 813647
Telephone: 01872 223439
cmorgan@cornwall.gov.uk
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