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An Interview with the CWT Nutritionist of the Year 2019

Greg Lessons, Registered Nutritionist, was awarded the title of ‘CWT Nutritionist of the Year 2019’ at last year’s CWT 30th Anniversary and Awards Reception for his outstanding and distinctive work in the UK Fire Services and academic achievements.  At the time of the award, the judging panel found Greg had displayed precisely the qualities they were looking for in the next generation of inspiring nutritionists.   He had demonstrated courage in challenging the status quo, a significant & groundbreaking achievement of high potential and a passion for forging new pathways to further public health through improved nutrition awareness and quality of food.  The judges were unanimous.

Greg’s career started as a firefighter; however, after 17 years’ service, Greg began to notice the rising levels of poor health amongst his colleagues, namely heart disease, obesity and diabetes.  He decided to embark on a new vocation, and after completing his MSc in Human Nutrition, Greg pioneered the Fire Service’s nutrition programme.

His multi-component intervention involved face to face dietary, physical activity and lifestyle education programme, along with addressing the obesogenic environmental factors. His pilot trial lowered BMI, body fat percentage, energy intake and waist circumferences, thus reducing fire fighter’s risk of chronic disease within a month.   His research was published in the proceedings of the Nutrition Society, and he was announced as the winner of ‘Best Original Communication’ at the Nutrition Society 2017 Winter conference.

Greg has persisted with his studies and is now undertaking a PhD while providing part-time lecturing at London Metropolitan University.  However, he continues to lead the emergency services in improving nutrition and subsequent health of the workforce.  His latest activities also involve being a Nutritionist Ambassador for the UK Emergency Services Games. http://www.ukesg.uk/

Since winning the CWT Nutritionist of the Year award, Greg has been on BBC news, featured in Men’s Fitness magazine, NHD Network Health Digest, Personnel Today – Occupational Health & Wellbeing, Public Sector Catering, Emergency Service Times and received a fellowship at the Nutrition Society, and is now sitting on their strategic communications committee.

We caught up with Greg to see how he found life after receiving the Nutritionist of the Year 2019 award.  Here’s what he had to say…

How did you feel when you were awarded the Nutritionist of the Year 2019?
The great honour of being awarded ‘Nutritionist of the year 2019’ by the Caroline Walker Trust as it brings a certain level of validation to the work I have been engaged in over the last two years.

Have you found your role as a Nutritionist in a new environment a comfortable journey?
Far from being a smooth ride, there have been tough challenges along the way which have tested my fortitude and resolve from the very beginning. Getting the fire station nutrition programme off the ground involved a lengthy campaign with several setbacks.

What did you find was your biggest challenge being a Nutritionist?
Once approved to test its feasibility and efficacy on a grander scale, the daunting prospect of starting something completely new and leaving the familiarity of a role I had performed for the vast majority of my working life was itself a challenge. Added to that was the unknown quantity of how I would be received by my peers in a context which could be seen as ‘telling them what to eat and how to live’.

How did you overcome these challenges?
Every day I had to do battle with these fears to stand up in front of teams of firefighters to nervously (at the beginning) deliver my dietary intervention. Every day I had to overcome scepticism and suspicion before I could even begin to attempt changing dietary behaviours for the better. My fortitude, resilience and resourcefulness have truly been tested like never before, and it has changed me as a person. Imposter syndrome rears its head on a fairly regular basis, and I have had to adapt from working in a team to working alone, taking full responsibility for nutrition in my organisation.

 What is the most rewarding part of your role as a Nutritionist?
The knowledge that I’m helping people is rewarding, as is seeing markers for health improvement. The gratitude expressed from firefighters is also a huge boost and fuels me to keep going when the workload piles up.

What have you gained from the award ‘Nutritionist of the Year’?
The recognition from a well-respected nutrition organisation bestowing me with such a great honour has really inspired me to take my programme to the next level. It has instilled untold confidence and also supports the programme’s progression, which at times feels somewhat precarious.

What are the benefits of being recognised by CWT as an inspirational Nutritionist?
It has garnered both internal and external interest, from fire brigade personnel congratulating me, to media agencies approaching me for interviews. I welcome all of this attention with open arms, not to boost my ego, but to boost the profile of my programme and to highlight the importance of nutritionists in workplace settings. I cannot thank the Caroline Walker Trust enough for their incredible support.

We also asked about Greg’s typical day in the life as a trail-blazing Nutritionist.  Here is his average day’s schedule of events.  It’s impressively dedicated and hard-working.

 A day in my professional life
Wake up at 06:00 – head to the gym (You have to look the part).
08:00 – start work by checking email and dealing with admin.
09:45 – pack the car with anthropometric equipment and educational aids.
10:30 – arrive at the fire station, introduce myself and hastily attempt to allay personnel’s preconceived fears of my agenda.
11:00 – deliver interactive PowerPoint presentation to the watch on ‘Nutrition and Health’.
11:30 – hand out dietary assessment forms and hope they fill them out (99% of the time they do).
11:35 – I set up my personalised nutrition clinic in an appropriate room in the fire station. It comprises a body composition analyser, a height measurer, tape measure, laptop and visual aids.
11:45 – I see the first of anywhere between 8 and 20 firefighters for a personalised nutrition session.
16:30 – pack up equipment and drive back to my base where I’ll finish the day with more admin. This can include: scheduling appointments and stations to receive my intervention; creating nutrition educational materials for the LFB wellbeing intranet portal; writing reports to justify my mere existence; creating PowerPoint presentations; dealing with requests to attend various team meetings to deliver nutrition input to fire brigade support departments (I’ll have to do most of this in my own time tonight). (Note the absence of a lunch break!).
23:00 – close the laptop, go to bed and reflect upon some of the amazing people I met and the enriching interactions I was lucky enough to be part of. That’s the best bit of my job.

 

 

 

News

The Caroline Walker Trust Announce Award Winners

The winners of The Caroline Walker Trust Awards 2019 were announced at a special presentation ceremony held on Tuesday evening, 12th November, at Chandos House, Royal Society of Medicine in London.

The Caroline Walker Trust Awards were “intended to highlight distinctive and outstanding work in promoting public health by maintaining and advancing standards of food and nutrition.  Traditionally the Caroline Walker Trust only offered four awards; however, over the years, these have changed to reflect the dynamic environment in which the Trust operates.” Anka Johnston, Chair of CWT. This year, the trust offered six awards, which also included a Lifetime Achievement award, Food Hero of the Year, Media Campaigner of the Year and Charity Food Campaigner of the Year.

CWT would like to congratulate all the winners and runners-up of the CWT Awards 2019.

Below are the award winners and runners-up for each category:

Charity Food Campaigner of the Year

Winner: City Harvest
Runner-up: One Feeds Two

Laura Winningham, CEO at City Harvest:
“City Harvest was extremely proud to join leaders in the field of food and public health at the 30th Anniversary Caroline Walker celebration and thrilled to receive an award for our work as a Charity Campaigner. We believe everyone is entitled to affordable, nourishing food and City Harvest have delivered healthy surplus food for more than 7 million meals to more than 300 charity partners serving vulnerable Londoners.”

Food Hero of the Year

Winner: Jason O’Rourke
Runner-up: Nutrition Scotland

Jason O’Rourke, Headteacher at Washingborough Academy:
“It was such an honour to be awarded the Caroline Walker Trust ‘Food Hero of The Year’ award in recognition of the Food Education work that we have developed at Washingborough Academy and also with the TastEd charity. Teaching children the skills and knowledge about the food that they eat and how their informed choices can have such an important effect on their future health and well-being is a vitally important area of any child’s education. Schools can have such a positive impact on children’s relationship with food and I would hope that this award inspires more schools to include Food Education into their curriculum.”

Media Food Campaigner of the Year

Winner: Sabine Goodwin
Runner-up: Early Start Nutrition

Sabine Goodwin, Coordinator at Independent Food Aid Network:
“I am very honoured indeed to be the winner of the CWT Media Campaigner of the Year Award. I’m grateful for the recognition of my work to raise awareness of the significance of independent food aid providers as well as the scale of growing food insecurity in the UK. Caroline Walker was an inspiring campaigner who cared passionately about the health implications of living in poverty. She would certainly have been appalled to find that millions of people in the UK are unable to afford to buy food let alone healthy and nutritious food.”

Nutritionist of the Year

Winner: Greg Lessons
Runner-up: Barbara Bray, MBE

Greg Lessons, Nutritionist at London Fire Brigade:
“I can’t thank the CWT enough for this incredible honour in recognition of my work for the London Fire Brigade. A huge thank you to everyone who has supported me along the way.”

Freelance Nutritionist of the Year

Winner: Laura Wyness
Runner-up: Shaleen Meelu

Laura Wyness, Freelance Registered Nutritionist based in Edinburgh:
“I am absolutely thrilled to have won this award from The Caroline Walker Trust.  The work and impact Caroline Walker made to public health nutrition has been very motivating for me in my nutrition career and I have found the resources produced by the Trust really useful in my work.  It is great to be recognised as a freelance nutritionist promoting the science behind healthy food and diets.”

The Caroline Walker Trust Lifetime Achievement Award

Professor Philip James

A special Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Philip James who has supported the CWT since its inception and has made outstanding contributions to the nation’s food and health.

–ends—

Notes to the Editor

  1. For information on the background to the awards and how the result was arrived see: https://www.cwt.org.uk/cwt-announce-awards-short-list/
  2. The Caroline Walker Trust was founded in 1989 after the death of the distinguished nutritionist, writer and campaigner Caroline Walker. Established to continue her work and in her spirit, the CWT works tirelessly to promote the improvement of public health through good food. The work of CWT is particularly targeted towards vulnerable groups and people who need special help.
  1. This year is the 30th anniversary of the Trust and the theme for the evening is Affordable food: Affordable health. The speakers included Felicity Lawrence, Guardian Journalist; Peter Stefanovic, Social Injustice Campaigner and distinguished Lawyer; and Dan Crossley, Executive Director at the Food Ethics Council.
  1. The Caroline Walker Trust Logo:

  1. The Nutritionist of the Year award has been sponsored by the Nutrition Society nutritionsociety.org and the Association for Nutrition www.associationfornutrition.org
  2. The Nutrition Society of the UK and Ireland was established in 1941 and is one of the largest learned societies for nutrition in the world. With over 2,600 members internationally, the Society is dedicated to delivering its mission of advancing the scientific study of nutrition and its application to animal and human health. The Society disseminates and promotes nutrition science through its six journals and six textbooks, in addition to regularly organising CPD endorsed conferences and webinars. Working with universities, parliamentarians, industry representatives, academic researchers, and other membership organisations, the Society aims to create opportunities for building relationships that strengthen research and collaboration within the field. Membership is open to any individual with an interest in nutritional science.
  3. The Freelance Nutritionist of the Year award has been sponsored by SENSE and the Nutrition Society nutritionsociety.org                     
  4. SENSE is the original unique network for professional self-employed Registered Nutritionists and Registered Dietitians. It exists to provide members with professional development, support and advice. Founded in 1996 by Dr Margaret Ashwell as  ‘Self Employed Nutritionists’  Support and Enlightenment’. SENSE now has more than 70 members and a flourishing CPD programme of twice-yearly meetings. http://www.sense-nutrition.org.uk   
  5. The Association for Nutrition (AfN) holds the UK Voluntary Register of Nutritionists (UKVRN), a register of competent, qualified nutrition professionals who meet our rigorously applied standards for scientifically sound evidence-based nutrition and its use in practice.  The UK Voluntary Register of Nutritionists is the only register of qualified nutritionists recognised by Public Health England, NHS Choices and NHS Careers                                                                                                     
  6. City Harvest has rescued over 7 million meals, collecting and delivering 80,000 meals a week from supermarkets, wholesale markets, manufacturers and the hospitality industry. Their trademark fleet of temperature-controlled vans delivers to over 300 London community programmes, including homeless shelters, mental health community projects, family centres, children’s’ programmes, and domestic abuse refuges. http://www.cityharvest.org.uk/
  1. Jason O’Rourke is the Headteacher at Washingborough Academy, Lincolnshire and the Founder of TastEd. Jason’s work with Washingborough Academy featured extensively in the Government’s 2016 Childhood Obesity Strategy and Plan for Action as best practice in food education and changing food cultures.  Jason’s school has also become the first in the country to receive the Gold Award from the Soil Association’s ‘Food for Life Served Here’ programme.  The School won the School Food Plan Award 2016.  It also was a finalist in the Times Education Supplement Healthy School of the Year award in 2016 and 2017. Jason is also the winner of the Educatering School food Plan Awards in 2016 and was invited to be a Headteacher advisor to the Government Department of Health and Social Care. washingboroughacademy.org and www.tasteeducation.com
  1. Sabine Goodwin was a television news and investigative journalist. Sabine now coordinates the Independent Food Aid Network (IFAN) and advocates on behalf of its members. Sabine is challenging the government on its policies towards poverty to eradicate food poverty. In 2017 Sabine created a database of independent food banks working across the UK, that highlighted how many food banks were outside the mainstream funded activities.  In addition to the Trussell Trust’s 1200 food banks, Sabine has discovered another 800 hidden food banks, making a total of 2000. Her research was first published in the Guardian in May 2017.  Since then, Sabine has raised the profile of independent food aid providers with the media, ministers, academics and other charities. Sabine works collaboratively with others, including running a joint project with ‘A Menu for Change’ to collate food parcel distribution data from Scottish independent food banks and with Sustain and other members of the End Hunger UK alliance to highlight food insecurity. Sabine also worked as the producer of Food Bank As It Is – a play depicting the reality of food banks.  Added to this Sabine is also now working independently of IFAN with Dr Rachel Loopstra at Kings College London undertaking research on independent food banks in England.
  1. Greg Lessons is a Nutritionist at the London Fire Brigade. Greg works with firefighters to develop personalised nutrition plans, helping them to make healthier food choices, and also holds food preparation master classes with firefighters across the capital.
  1. Dr Laura Wyness was a Senior Research Fellow for three years in the Scottish Centre for Food Development and Innovation, Edinburgh where she led a range of research projects to help companies reformulate or develop new healthier products. She now works as a Freelance Registered Nutritionist based in Edinburgh https://www.laurawyness.com/.
News

CWT announced shortlist for Nutritionist and Freelance Nutritionist of the Year

The Caroline Walker Trust (CWT) is delighted to announce the shortlist for CWT Awards 2019 Nutritionist of the Year and Freelance Nutritionist of the Year.  The awards celebrate the best of those who work in evidence-based nutrition.

The awards ceremony, sponsored by the Nutrition Society, SENSE and supported by the Association for Nutrition, will be held on 12 November 2019 at the RSM Chandos House.  Professor Tim Lang, President of the CWT, will be presenting the award to the winner of each category.

Traditionally the Caroline Walker Trust has offered several awards, however, for the first time in 30 years, the Trust has included two new categories for their annual awards.  These are the Nutritionist of the Year and Freelance Nutritionist of the Year.  They have been introduced to mark the 30th anniversary of the trust, and in doing so, these categories reflect Caroline Walker’s work which included public health, researcher, academic, community worker, writer, speaker, media advisor and freelance.

“The Caroline Walker Trust Awards are intended to highlight distinctive and outstanding work in promoting public health by maintaining and advancing standards of food and nutrition.  Traditionally the Caroline Walker Trust only offered four awards; however, over the years, these have changed to reflect the dynamic environment in which the Trust operates.” Anka Johnston, Chair of CWT.  This year, the trust has offered six awards, which also includes a Lifetime Achievement award, Food Hero of the Year, Media Campaigner of the Year and Charity Food Campaigner of the Year.

The official shortlist of the CWT 30th Anniversary Awards showcases the high calibre of nutritionists working in a variety of areas.  The shortlisted nominees for Nutritionist of the Year comprise Barbara Bray MBE from the agriculture and farming sector, Dr Kawther Hashem from Action on Sugar, Dr Glenys Jones from the Association for Nutrition, Greg Lessons from the London Fire Brigade and Professor Louis Levy from Public Health England.

The trust also wanted to reflect how Registered Nutritionists work freelance, just like Caroline Walker had done.  The shortlisted nominees for the Freelance Nutritionist of the Year comprise Claire Baseley, Barbara Bray, Shaleen Meelu, Charlotte Stirling-Reed and Dr Laura Wyness.

 “The aim is to highlight the great work of Freelance Nutritionists, to support those who are continuing to make a difference while inspiring a new generation of nutritionists to do likewise,”  said Anka Johnston, Chair of CWT.

“The Nutrition Society is delighted to be sponsoring this year’s CWT Awards, an excellent initiative to recognise and reward the contribution of nutritionists.” commented the Nutrition Society.

Dr Margaret Ashwell OBE, SENSE’s Chair commented: “SENSE is delighted to be a part of the CWT celebrations, recognising that these awards are particularly valuable to SENSE self-employed nutritionists, who work across a broad range of disciplines- anywhere that nutrition has an important role to play. As such, this provides an opportunity to justifiably reward their achievements.”

CWT would like to congratulate all the shortlisted nominees and everyone who submitted nominations.  CWT would also like to thank the Judges for their hard work in drawing up the shortlist from an impressive list of submissions, and the Nutrition Society, Association for Nutrition and SENSE for their sponsorship of the Awards.

–ends—

Notes to the Editor

  1. For information on the background to the awards and how the result was arrived see: https://www.cwt.org.uk/cwt-announce-awards-short-list/
  1. The Caroline Walker Trust was founded in 1989 after the death of the distinguished nutritionist, writer and campaigner Caroline Walker. Established to continue her work and in her spirit, the CWT works tirelessly to promote the improvement of public health through good food. The work of CWT is particularly targeted towards vulnerable groups and people who need special help.
  1. This year is the 30th anniversary of the Trust and the theme for the evening is Affordable food: Affordable health. The speakers included Felicity Lawrence, Guardian Journalist; Peter Stefanovic, Social Injustice Campaigner and distinguished Lawyer; and Dan Crossley, Executive Director at the Food Ethics Council.
  1. The Caroline Walker Trust Logo:

 

  1. The Nutritionist of the Year award has been sponsored by the Nutrition Society nutritionsociety.org and the Association for Nutrition www.associationfornutrition.org
  2. The Freelance Nutritionist of the Year award has been sponsored by SENSE and the Nutrition Society nutritionsociety.org
  1. The Association for Nutrition (AfN) holds the UK Voluntary Register of Nutritionists (UKVRN), a register of competent, qualified nutrition professionals who meet our rigorously applied standards for scientifically sound evidence-based nutrition and its use in practice.  The UK Voluntary Register of Nutritionists is the only register of qualified nutritionists recognised by Public Health England, NHS Choicesand NHS Careers 
  1. The Nutrition Society of the UK and Ireland was established in 1941 and is one of the largest learned societies for nutrition in the world. With over 2,600 members internationally, the Society is dedicated to delivering its mission of advancing the scientific study of nutrition and its application to animal and human health. The Society disseminates and promotes nutrition science through its six journals and six textbooks, in addition to regularly organising CPD endorsed conferences and webinars. Working with universities, parliamentarians, industry representatives, academic researchers, and other membership organisations, the Society aims to create opportunities for building relationships that strengthen research and collaboration within the field. Membership is open to any individual with an interest in nutritional science.
  1. SENSE is the original unique network for professional self-employed Registered Nutritionists and Registered Dietitians. It exists to provide members with professional development, support and advice. Founded in 1996 by Dr Margaret Ashwell as  ‘Self Employed Nutritionists’  Support and Enlightenment’. SENSE now has more than 70 members and a flourishing CPD programme of twice-yearly meetings. http://www.sense-nutrition.org.uk   
  1. Professor Louis Levy, Head of Nutrition Science at Public Health England, said: “I am delighted to be nominated and to see recognition for many good candidates demonstrating the hard work found across the field to improve public health and prevent ill-health.”
  1. Greg Lessons, London Fire Brigade Nutritionist said: “It is a genuine honour to be shortlisted for the prestigious CWT Nutritionist of the Year award, and I am proud to be able to represent the London Met Public Health Nutrition Research Group, as well as colleagues from London Fire Brigade who work every day to save the lives of others.”
  1. Dr Kawther Hashem, Campaign Lead at Action on Sugar based at Queen Mary University of London says, “I am very honoured to have been shortlisted for the Caroline Walker Trust 30th Anniversary ‘Nutritionist of the Year’ award for my work to get companies to improve their products. Thank you to everyone who helped me achieve so much over the last nine years of my career.”
  1. “I‘m truly honoured to have been nominated and shortlisted for an award in the memory of such an inspirational nutritionist like Caroline Walker. It is an absolute privilege to work in such an amazing profession, with so many great opportunities to help improve health and support colleagues reach their goals,” commented Dr Glenys Jones, Communications Manager and Deputy CEO, Association for Nutrition.
  1. “I’m absolutely thrilled to be shortlisted for the awards, and I congratulate my fellow nutritionists on their achievements. This year has been fantastic, first publishing my Nuffield Farming report and then receiving an MBE. The recognition by the Trust of the distinguished nutritionist Caroline Walker is an honour.” Barbara Bray MBE FIFST RNutr NSch, Director of Alo Solutions Ltd alo-solutions.com
  1. “It is an honour to be shortlisted for the Caroline Walker Trust awards. Choosing a career as a Public Health Nutritionist wasn’t and still isn’t easy. Nutritionists are rarely respected/recognised outside their field. Caroline Walker and the Trust were a great source of inspiration and motivation” Shaleen Meelu Co-founder Harborne Food School & Healthy Futures Public Health Nutrition Specialist working with Birmingham City Council and the Food Foundation.  harbornefoodschool.co.uk  www.healthy-futures.net
  1. “I am passionate about promoting evidence-based public health nutrition and enjoy the variety of ways of communicating nutrition research.  I am therefore extremely proud to be shortlisted for the Caroline Walker Trust Freelance Nutritionist of the Year Award”.  Dr Laura Wyness works as a Freelance Registered Nutritionist based in Edinburgh https://www.laurawyness.com/
  1. “I’m so very pleased to have been nominated for the CWT award for Freelance Nutritionist of the Year. I’ve loved the work that CWT has done for years – ever since I was at University, they’ve always been such a useful resource for Nutritionists. I’m very excited to attend the awards in November – so many fantastic nutritionists have been nominated this year”. Charlotte Stirling-Reed https://www.srnutrition.co.uk/
  1. “I’m delighted to have been shortlisted for the prestigious Caroline Walker Trust Awards. As a passionate Registered Nutritionist I work hard to educate the public and food industry in an engaging yet evidence-based manner via my freelance work and across my social media platforms, website and through the media,” commented Claire Baseley, Director at CLB Nutrition Website: clairebaseley.co.uk
News

CWT announced shortlist for Food Hero of the Year Award

The Caroline Walker Trust (CWT) is delighted to announce the shortlist for CWT Awards 2019 Food Hero of the Year.  The award celebrates individuals who work to campaign to improve public health through good food.

The awards ceremony will be held on 12 November 2019 at the RSM Chandos House.  Professor Tim Lang, President of the CWT, will be presenting the award to the winner of each category.  Traditionally the Caroline Walker Trust has offered several awards.  This year, the Trust has introduced the award for Food Hero of the Year.

“Caroline Walker Trust awards are intended to highlight distinctive and outstanding work in promoting public health by maintaining and advancing standards of food and nutrition.  Traditionally the Caroline Walker only offered four awards; however, over the years, these have changed to reflect the dynamic environment in which the Trust operates,” remarked Anka Johnston, Chair of the CWT.

“This year, the Trust has offered six awards, which also includes a Lifetime Achievement award, Charity Food Campaigner of the Year, Media Food Campaigner of the Year, Nutritionist of the Year and Freelance Nutritionist of the Year.”

The official shortlist of the CWT 30th Anniversary Awards showcases the high calibre of individuals working in a variety of areas to improve the quality of our food and the nation’s diet.  The final shortlisted nominees for Food Hero of the Year comprised of Jason O’Rourke (Washingborough Academy), Suzanne Fletcher (Nutrition Scotland), Pascal Gerrard and Olivier Blanc (StreetCube), Lyndsey Withers (Plymouth Soup Run), and Stephen Colyer (The Fruit and Veg Kids).

“The aim is to highlight the great work of individuals, to support those who are continuing to make a difference while inspiring a new generation of food campaigners to do likewise,” said Anka Johnston, Chair of the CWT.

 “We’re delighted to be shortlisted for the CWT ‘Food Hero’ Award.  Food poverty and poor diet have serious long-term physical and psychological consequences for some families. By connecting evidence-based nutritional practice directly with those most in need, we can provide reliable, practical support that goes well beyond dietary guidelines” commented Suzanne Fletcher, RNutr and Founder of Nutrition Scotland.

 “If anyone deserves recognition for the (very often hidden) food, nutrition and health volunteering they tirelessly do to support vulnerable individuals, then it is Lyndsey – I am thrilled to see her being shortlisted for this award. Her efforts go beyond the call of duty, and she is an extraordinary human being who gives” states Dr Clare Pettinger, Lecturer Public Health Dietetics, University of Plymouth.

“Good food doesn’t have to cost the earth. StreetCube was opened by MasterChef Raymond Blanc and developed by sustainable chef Pascal Gerrard and Olivier Blanc to be 100% sustainable from the ground up; by up-cycling 10ft shipping containers converting them into professional, sustainable, semi-permanent, zero-emissions Street kitchens – where independent chefs can operate their own start-up sustainable food business,” commented Pascal Gerrard, Founder, StreetCube.

I feel very honoured to be nominated for CWT Award in the category “Food Hero”. It is great recognition of all the incredible work that goes on at Washingborough Academy to support Food Education, and also at an international level with the sensory food education carried out by the TastEd charity’ remarked Jason O’Rourke, Headteacher, Washingborough Academy.

“The Fruit and Veg Kids” have been created to greatly assist in addressing the ever-spiralling global Childhood Obesity epidemic via ‘Education through Entertainment – with Laughter not Lecture’. Our Campaign includes Songs, Music, Books, Animation, Stage Shows and Personal appearances to ensure maximum promotional opportunities that convey vital messages on Health”, commented Stephen Colyer, Founder of The Fruit and Veg Kids

CWT would like to congratulate all the shortlisted nominees and everyone who submitted nominations.  CWT would also like to thank the Judges for their hard work in drawing up the shortlist from a very impressive list of nominations.

–ends—

Notes to the Editor

  1. For information on the background to the awards and how the result was arrived see: https://www.cwt.org.uk/cwt-announce-awards-short-list/
  1. The Caroline Walker Trust was founded in 1989 after the death of the distinguished nutritionist, writer and campaigner Caroline Walker. Established to continue her work and in her spirit, the CWT works tirelessly to promote the improvement of public health through good food. The work of CWT is particularly targeted towards vulnerable groups and people who need special help.
  1. This year is the 30th anniversary of the Trust and the theme for the evening is Affordable food: Affordable health. The speakers included Felicity Lawrence, Guardian Journalist; Peter Stefanovic, Social Injustice Campaigner and distinguished Lawyer; and Dan Crossley, Executive Director at the Food Ethics Council.
  1. The Caroline Walker Trust Logo:
  1. Nutrition Scotland is a Social Enterprise in development, their aim is to improve health and wellbeing through improved access to a variety of nutritional services and information. Their services are designed and delivered by public health nutritionists and dietitians who believe in equal access to healthy food and reducing health inequalities. http://www.nutritionscotland.org/
  1. Jason O’Rourke is the Headteacher at Washingborough Academy, Lincolnshire and the Founder of TastEd. Jason’s work with Washingborough Academy featured extensively in the Government’s 2016 Childhood Obesity Strategy and Plan for Action as best practice in food education and changing food cultures.  Jason’s school has also become the first in the country to receive the Gold Award from the Soil Association’s ‘Food for Life Served Here’ programme.  The School won the School Food Plan Award 2016.  It also was a finalist in the Times Education Supplement Healthy School of the Year award in 2016 and 2017. Jason is also the winner of the Educatering School food Plan Awards in 2016 and was invited to be a Headteacher advisor to the Government Department of Health and Social Care. washingboroughacademy.org and www.tasteeducation.com 
  1. The Fruit and Veg Kids have been created to initially capture the imagination of children through entertainment, to then progressively engage them into the pattern of a healthy lifestyle with regular healthy eating and physical activities through the inspiration of these entertaining and colourful characters in a very simplistic approach. thefruitandvegkids.com @FruitAndVegKids
  2. Lyndsey Withers is a volunteer at the Plymouth Soup Run, the Shekinah homeless drop-in centre and drives homeless clients to the Plymouth Dental school and University Hospitals. She is also the past winner of the Salvation Army award for exceptional contributions to homeless services in 2015.  Her work is invaluable and makes a real difference to the lives of service users at Plymouth Soup Run, which connects with people who are impacted by food poverty and poverty of healthy social connections, information and access to services.
  1. StreetCube opened in May 2019 in Wandsworth SW London with the help of MasterChef Raymond Blanc. Every day, they serve hundreds of people with sustainable food, and also give out information about climate change and the effects of our food system on the environment. They are supported by a host of world-rebounded trusted advocates – people who are experts in sustainable food, climate change, nutrition, farming, organic food, chef training.
  1. The StreetCube project is a winning concept which aims to help transform food systems in every city to help cut CO2 and help reverse the effects of climate change effects from our food systems. By placing a cluster of StreetCube kitchens, the project can engage whole communities with more sustainable food ethos.
  1. Currently, our global, industrial food systems contribute more than 35% of all greenhouse gas emissions. The biggest driver of climate change is deforestation, the biggest driver of deforestation is the beef/burger industry. By empowering young chefs to take up a position as sustainable food champions, and by giving them a bright and beautiful sustainable Street kitchen from which to perform, we believe we really can change the world. One bite at a time.
  1. Zero emissions, zero-carbon professional, sustainable Street kitchens that allow passionate chefs to engage people with a more ‘sustainable’ form of Street food – has the potential to seriously change entire food systems. Engaging everyone with food that is better for people and the planet. Organic, local, nutritious, seasonal food which is cooked with passion and pride. StreetCube makes it all possible by providing professional semi-permanent Street kitchens that are affordable for young chefs to operate – whilst adhering to a set of principles that ultimately are more sustainable and beneficial for people and planet.
News

CWT announced shortlist for Media Food Campaigner of the Year

The Caroline Walker Trust (CWT) is delighted to announce the shortlist for CWT Awards 2019 Media Food Campaigner of the Year.  The award celebrates journalists and social media writers who work to campaign to improve public health through good food within the media.

The awards ceremony will be held on 12 November 2019 at the RSM Chandos House.  Professor Tim Lang, President of the CWT, will be presenting the award to the winner of each category.  Traditionally the Caroline Walker Trust has offered several awards.  This year the awards include Food Hero, Charity Food Campaigner, Nutritionist and Freelance Nutritionist as well as Media Food Campaigner of the Year and Lifetime Achievement Award.

“Caroline Walker Trust awards are intended to highlight distinctive and outstanding work in promoting public health by maintaining and advancing standards of food and nutrition.  Traditionally the Caroline Walker has offered four awards; however, over the years, these have changed to reflect the dynamic environment in which the Trust operates,” remarked Anka Johnston, Chair of the CWT.

“This year, the Trust has offered six awards, which also includes a Lifetime Achievement award, Charity Food Campaigner of the Year, Nutritionist of the Year and Freelance Nutritionist of the Year and Media Campaigner of the Year.”

The official shortlist of the CWT 30th Anniversary Awards showcases the high calibre of individuals working in a variety of mediums to improve the quality of our food and the nation’s diet.  The final shortlisted nominees for Media Food Campaigner of the Year comprised Rhiannon Lambert, Sabine Goodwin, Pixie Turner, Early Start Nutrition and AfN Twitter.

“The aim is to highlight the great work of individuals and teams who operate within the media environment, to support those who are continuing to make a difference while inspiring a new generation of media food campaigners to do likewise,” said Anka Johnston, Chair of the CWT.

“I’m very honoured to have been shortlisted for the CWT 30th Anniversary ‘Media Food Campaigner of the Year’ award for my work on behalf of IFAN.  Here’s hoping we’ll see the end of the need for charitable food aid as soon as possible,” responded Sabine Goodwin, Coordinator at the Independent Food Aid Network (IFAN).

 “I truly believe all health professionals have a responsibility to share their evidence-based advice far beyond the confines of a clinic or hospital with social media the most accessible platform for us to champion positive change. With an ever-increasing number of self-proclaimed health gurus born online whose nutritional qualification is nothing more than a lifetime of eating, we must fight the culture of celebrities emerging as authorities on nutrition and health,” Rhiannon Lambert, Registered Nutritionist.

“We feel very honoured to be shortlisted for the Caroline Walker Trust Awards. The @AfNutr team are passionate about providing evidence-based, practical messages around food, diet and health to a wide audience through social media.  We are grateful to our followers for their incredible support and positive feedback” responded Dr Laura Wyness, Registered Nutritionist, AfN Twitter

“We are so honoured to be shortlisted for the CWT Food Media Campaigner of the Year.  It’s so important for us to use media in a positive way to share evidence-based advice to improve health outcomes,” commented a spokesperson from Early Start Nutrition.

CWT would like to congratulate all the shortlisted nominees and everyone who submitted nominations.  CWT would also like to thank the Judges for their hard work in drawing up the shortlist from a very impressive list of nominations.

–ends—

Notes to the Editor

  1. For information on the background to the awards and how the result was arrived see: https://www.cwt.org.uk/cwt-announce-awards-short-list/
  1. The Caroline Walker Trust was founded in 1989 after the death of the distinguished nutritionist, writer and campaigner Caroline Walker. Established to continue her work and in her spirit, the CWT works tirelessly to promote the improvement of public health through good food. The work of CWT is particularly targeted towards vulnerable groups and people who need special help.
  1. This year is the 30th anniversary of the Trust and the theme for the evening is Affordable food: Affordable health. The speakers included Felicity Lawrence, Guardian Journalist; Peter Stefanovic, Social Injustice Campaigner and distinguished Lawyer; and Dan Crossley, Executive Director at the Food Ethics Council.
  1. The Caroline Walker Trust Logo:
  1. Rhiannon Lambert is a Registered Nutritionist specialising in weight management, eating disorders and sports nutrition. Founder of the leading Harley Street clinic Rhitrition, bestselling author of Re-Nourish: A Simple Way To Eat Well and Food For Thought podcast host. Registered with the Association for Nutrition (RNutr), Rhiannon obtained a first-class Bachelor (BSc) degree in Nutrition and Health and a Master’s (MSc) degree in Obesity, Risks and Prevention. She is also a Master Practitioner in Eating Disorders and Obesity having obtained a diploma from The National Centre For Eating Disorders approved by The British Psychological Society (BPS).  https://rhitrition.com/
  2. The @AfNutr Twitter team are Registered Nutritionists Vicki Pyne, Lynn Burns, Dr Suzanne Zaremba and Dr Laura Wyness. @AfNutr ‘s target audience is registered nutritionists, but others are also welcome irrespective of their background, occupation or experience on twitter. AfNutr’s followers include registered dietitians, medics, teachers and members of the public, as well as nutritionists. The @AfNutr Twitter webpage is https://afnutr.wordpress.com.
  1. Sabine Goodwin was a television news and investigative journalist. Sabine now coordinates the Independent Food Aid Network (IFAN) and advocates on behalf of its members. Sabine is challenging the government on their policies towards poverty to eradicate food poverty. In 2017 Sabine created a database of independent food banks working across the UK, that highlighted how many food banks were outside the mainstream funded activities.  In addition to the Trussell Trust’s 1200 food banks, Sabine has discovered another 800 hidden food banks, making a total of 2000. Her research was first published in the Guardian in May 2017.  Since then, Sabine has raised the profile of independent food aid providers with the media, ministers, academics and other charities. Sabine works collaboratively with others, including running a joint project with ‘A Menu for Change’ to collate food parcel distribution data from Scottish independent food banks and with Sustain and other members of the End Hunger UK alliance to highlight food insecurity. Sabine also worked as the producer of Food Bank As It Is – a play depicting the reality of food banks.  Added to this Sabine is also now working independently of IFAN with Dr Rachel Loopstra at Kings College London undertaking research on independent food banks in England.
  1. Pixie Turner started the Instagram account and blog ‘Plantbased Pixie’ in 2014, which has now grown to over 100,000 followers. Under this brand name, she worked as a blogger, social media influencer, speaker, writer, events organiser, and freelance Nutritionist she specialises in healthy plant-based recipes and debunking nutrition myths in the wellness industry.
  1. The Early Start Nutrition team promote positive attitudes and enjoyment of nutritious food to ensure the best possible start in life for all! The team have developed invaluable resources and training material to promote evidence-based messages to tackle nutrition inequalities and improve the health and well-being of young children and their families. 
  1. The Early Start Nutrition team has been at the heart of communities in East London for over 20 years providing support services for children, families and professionals. Their Association for Nutrition registered nutritionists, Edwina Revel and Georgia Leech, are some of the UK’s leading professionals in the industry delivering evidence-based interventions with a proven track record of improving health outcomes. The team are renowned for the delivery of projects that meet best practice and reduce inequalities in child development, health and life chances. Their priority is to ensure that all children have equal opportunities to receive ample nutrition and recognise the early years as a key time to build foundations that support children to be healthier.
  1. Early Start Nutrition deliver services shaped around local and national policies which are translated into practical and accessible services. They have represented their profession at national and international conferences and are frequently featured in leading early year’s magazines. The team are experts in maternal, child and family nutrition and have supported the London Borough of Newham to reduce the number of children who are overweight at reception by 2.5%! The team are currently working with the Dental Wellness Trust to ensure children in Newham have the opportunity to have healthier smiles byintegrating a Supervised Tooth Brushing programme into their daily routines. Visit their website to find out more about their full range of services https://www.earlystartgroup.com/nutrition/.

 

News

CWT announced shortlist for Charity Food Campaigner of the Year

The Caroline Walker Trust (CWT) is delighted to announce the shortlist for CWT Awards 2019 Charity Food Campaigner of the Year.  The awards celebrate the best of those who work to campaign to improve public health through good food.

The awards ceremony will be held on 12 November 2019 at the RSM Chandos House.  Professor Tim Lang, President of the CWT, will be presenting the award to the winner of each category.  Traditionally the Caroline Walker Trust has offered several awards.  This year, the trust has introduced the award for Charity Food Campaigner of the Year.

“Caroline Walker Trust awards are intended to highlight distinctive and outstanding work in promoting public health by maintaining and advancing standards of food and nutrition.  Traditionally the Caroline Walker only offered four awards; however, over the years, these have changed to reflect the dynamic environment in which the Trust operates,” remarked Anka Johnston, Chair of The CWT.

“This year, the Trust has offered six awards, which also includes a Lifetime Achievement award, Food Hero of the Year, Media Campaigner of the Year, Nutritionist of the Year and Freelance Nutritionist of the Year,” explained Anka Johnston.

The official shortlist of the CWT 30th Anniversary Awards showcases the high calibre of charities working in a variety of areas to improve the quality of our food and the nation’s diet.  The final shortlisted nominees for Charity Food Campaigner of the Year comprised City Harvest, Henry, the Institute of Grocery Distribution (IGD), One Feeds Two and Sustain.

“The aim is to highlight the great work of Charities, to support those who are continuing to make a difference while inspiring a new generation of campaigners to do likewise,” said Anka Johnston, Chair of The CWT.

Kath Dalmeny, CEO, Sustain commented: “The Sustain alliance’s work on children’s food and food quality has been profoundly inspired by Caroline Walker. Her pioneering spirit lives on in our campaigns for good food education, high-quality school meals and defence against the promotion of junk food. Every campaign win along the way is a tribute to her approach. Sustain is honoured to be associated with Caroline’s work and legacy.”

“Being shortlisted for this award is a wonderful recognition of the incredible power of a school meal. The school meals donated by our partners contribute to a number of Sustainable Development Goals, by supporting nutrition and fuelling learning and play at school,” responded Owen Burton, Co-Founder, One Feeds Two.

“For the past decade, HENRY has been helping some of our most vulnerable families overcome the negative effects of disadvantage. We support families to make positive lifestyle changes and create healthier home environments – helping parents gain the confidence and skills to give their children a great nutritional start,” explained Kim Roberts, Henry CEO.

Natasha Maynard, Nutrition & Scientific Affairs Manager at IGD, said: “With nearly four million people employed by the food and grocery industry, we have a unique opportunity to positively influence their health. Our ambitious research with the University of Cambridge proves how simple changes can encourage people to make healthier choices at work. We are absolutely delighted to have been shortlisted.”

“Knowing there is more than enough highly nutritious surplus food in London to feed those living in poverty, is what drives the City Harvest team. Growing our networks and increasing our capacity to deliver food, for free, to those in need is our lifeblood. Food is life – we give food another life,” said Laura Winningham, CEO, City Harvest London.

CWT would like to congratulate all the shortlisted nominees and everyone who submitted nominations.  CWT would also like to thank the Judges for their hard work in drawing up the shortlist from a very impressive list of nominations.

For further information on the awards nominations: http://bit.ly/2Or9FAw

Contact Kathy Lewis [email protected] 07961 317 621

–ends—

Notes to the Editor

  1. For information on the background to the awards and how the result was arrived see: https://www.cwt.org.uk/cwt-announce-awards-short-list/
  2. The Caroline Walker Trust was founded in 1989 after the death of the distinguished nutritionist, writer and campaigner Caroline Walker. Established to continue her work and in her spirit, the CWT works tirelessly to promote the improvement of public health through good food. The work of CWT is particularly targeted towards vulnerable groups and people who need special help.
  3. This year is the 30th anniversary of the Trust and the theme for the evening is Affordable food: Affordable health. The speakers included Felicity Lawrence, Guardian Journalist; Peter Stefanovic, Social Injustice Campaigner and distinguished Lawyer; and Dan Crossley, Executive Director at the Food Ethics Council.
  1. The Caroline Walker Trust Logo:
  3. City Harvest has rescued over 7 million meals, collecting and delivering 80,000 meals a week from supermarkets, wholesale markets, manufacturers and the hospitality industry. Their trademark fleet of temperature-controlled vans deliver to over 300 London community programmes, including homeless shelters, mental health community projects, family centres, children’s’ programmes, and domestic abuse refuges. http://www.cityharvest.org.uk/
  4. One Feeds Two partners with a variety of companies involved in the food industry in the UK and USA – from casual dining to brands, manufacturers, caterers and retailers. They enable them to make a positive, tangible social impact through their one-for-one model. For each licensed product sold by a partner, they donate the cost of a school meal for a child in one of the world’s poorest communities. One Feeds Two save their partners from having to run a charity as well as a business, giving them access to a mechanism that is easily communicated to staff, customers, investors and other stakeholders. One Feeds Two partners have donated more than 6 million school meals and are now donating nearly 3 million school meals p.a. through their operations in the UK and the USA. A school meal can have a transformative impact on a child’s day, allowing them to attend school rather than work, scavenge or beg for food – fuelling their ability to study and play. Regularly delivered school meals can have a transformative impact on a community’s level of educational attainment and the numerous downstream benefits of improved literacy and numeracy. URL: www.onefeedstwo.org
  1. HENRY is passionate about babies and young children getting the best possible start in life. They are a charity providing a wide range of support for vulnerable families in the early and childhood years. HENRY also train health and early years professionals to support families to make real and lasting changes that will help children to get off to a healthy and happy start and flourish throughout childhood and beyond. https://www.henry.org.uk/
  2. Sustain is the alliance for better food and farming advocates food and agriculture policies and practices that enhance the health and welfare of people and animals, improve the working and living environment, enrich society and culture and promote equity. https://www.sustainweb.org/about/
  3. IGD (Institute of Grocery Distribution) is a research and training charity that sits at the heart of the food and consumer goods industry. IGD’s healthy eating initiatives bring people and organisations from the breadth of the food industry together to promote healthy balanced diets.
News

Having Presence at CWT 30th Anniversary Awards Reception

The Caroline Walker Trust is down to its last couple of tables for the 30th Anniversary Awards Reception on the 12 November 2019.

The Trust is inviting charities, health campaigners and businesses to have a presence at the CWT Awards and 30th Anniversary, while showing their support for the Trust and short-listed award winners, by taking one of the last few tables at the reception to display their cause, services, products or resources.

Sponsorship entitles you to
➤ Table or stand space – the table will be supplied by the venue, the company must supply their shell scheme and fascia board.
➤ Free registration for 2 attendees at the reception, includes those that attend the company stand.
➤ Company/organisation’s literature or goodies – the literature of up to 5 printed pages (A4) or up to two goodies to be included inside the attendee bag/wallet distributed to every attendee. Literature to be supplied by the company/organisation.
➤ Website listing on The Caroline Walker Trust’s event page with a direct link to the company site. Company logo will be listed alphabetically under sponsor organisations on our website and linked through to company website.
➤ Acknowledgement of company/organisation’s sponsorship within the attendee pack.
➤ Acknowledgement afterwards, e.g. acknowledgement/mention in the write up in newsletter /website.
➤ 20% for further attendee registrations at the reception (up to a maximum of 2).

If you would like to register your interest in having a table or stand at The CWT 30th Anniversary and Award Reception, then please contact Kathy Lewis at [email protected]

News

CWT announce Awards short-list

The Caroline Walker Trust (CWT) has great pleasure in announcing the shortlist for the 30th Anniversary CWT Awards to be held in London on 12 November 2019.

There were many fantastic entries this year, and our judges had their work cut out for them. We are delighted with the outcome of their recommendations following their intense scrutiny and insightful deliberations.

The CWT believes that this year’s awards showcase the passion, courage and conviction of those who work to improve the quality of our food and nation’s health, and for those who live in poverty. We were delighted to see such a range of innovative nominees, many of whom dare to challenge the status quo, each of which demonstrate their excellence by being distinctive and outstanding in their work.

Below are the entries which are now taking one step closer to gaining the title ‘Of the Year’ award.  Congratulations to everyone who entered and all those who have been short-listed.

We look forward to announcing the winners of each category in London on 12th November 2019. The CWT hope you will join us in recognising their efforts and contribution to improving the nation’s health. Please go to the event page for more information on joining us for the award evening.

Charity Food Campaigner of the Year

City Harvest
HENRY
IGD
One Feeds Two
SUSTAIN

Food Hero of the Year

The Fruit and Veg Kids
Jason O’Rourke
Nutrition Scotland
StreetCube
Lyndsey Withers

Media Food Campaigner of the Year

Sabine Goodwin
Rhiannon Lambert
Early Start Nutrition
Pixie Turner
AfN Twitter

Nutritionist of the Year

Barbara Bray
Glenys Jones
Kawther Hashem
Greg Lessons
Louis Levy

Freelance Nutritionist of the Year

Claire Baseley
Barbara Bray
Shaleen Meelu
Charlotte Stirling-Reed
Laura Wyness

News

Allergies and allergen management meeting

SENSE will be holding the biannual meeting in London on 4 October 2019. The topic for discussion is Allergies and Allergen Management. The meeting is for Nutritionists and Dietitians who have an interest in Allergies and Allergens.

Lineup includes;
Ms Judy Moore, RD, R.Nutr., speaking on Allergies – an overview for adult and children. Judy will discuss the main allergic responses and provide case studies.
Ms Julie Mann, Head of Food Safety at Boparan. Julie will discuss Foodservice: How to manage the complexities and communicate with consumers.
Miss Alexi Poole, Head of Operations at Spoon Guru. Alexi will discuss technological solutions: What tools are available to help consumers.
Mis Michelle Victor Partner Leigh Day Solicitors. Michelle will discuss the legal perspective and in particular Natasha’s Law.

A panel discussion will follow on what can be done collaboratively.

Click here for the full programme.
SENSE members: free
Non SENSE members: £50

Register for this meeting, please contact Chris Hawkins [email protected]

AfN CPD has been applied for.

© Copyright The Caroline Walker Trust 2014