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).