Heart of Stafford Award

The 'Heart of Stafford Award' is a scheme run by Stafford Borough Council and South Western Staffordshire Primary Care Trust to identify and reward establishments that meet the current criteria for eating safely and healthily when out of the home.  The awards aim to target local catering establishments and recognise their achievement of high standards in staff training, kitchen hygiene and healthy menus. The awards are also about offering customers choices in recognition of the growing concern about healthy eating.

In particular, Stafford Borough Council and South Western Staffordshire Primary Care Trust are committed to providing the public with the information needed to combat the increase in coronary heart disease, and the major factors contributing to the onset of the disease.

In England, the prevalence of obesity is now three times greater than it was twenty years ago with 23% of women and 21% of men now classified as obese (Department of Health 2003). In 1998, 30,000 deaths were attributable to obesity (National Audit office 2003) and in addition to being a debilitating condition itself, obesity predisposes people to Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and some types of cancer. The Government has also emphasised the importance of promoting healthy food choices to children.

So what benefits do you get if you receive an award?

• If you achieve the standards set for the bronze, silver or gold award then you will be issued with a framed certificate indicating which award you have been granted.

• Your establishment will be added to the databases at Stafford Borough Council and South Western Primary Care Trust and your achievements will be well advertised in our magazines which are freely available to the public.

• A directory of all the premises that have been presented with an award will be produced and placed on display around the borough.