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Avenance
catering company is applying for a BBC Big Challenge Health Works
Award. The company operates catering contracts across Lancashire
and have recently launched a new system, named Balance, which is
taking big steps to inspire their customers towards healthier food
choices. Using a system of "friendly food flagging" the
Balance system clearly indicates the breakfast, lunch and dinners,
which impact positively on health. The flags clearly demonstrate
food which is friendly to the heart, low in fat, low in salt and
food which will help achieve the recommended five daily fruits and
vegetable portions.
Avenance's
dietician Raffaella Piovesan says: "We believe that the four
flags highlight the healthier options in a positive friendly manner,
avoiding a "do not eat" approach. We're not turning into
a healthy eating company, but we do take seriously our role as educator.
In the current climate there's a lot of discussion about healthy
eating and obesity. We are simply pointing out the healthier options
and leaving the customer in charge."
The
company also has its own rambling club, and on its latest expedition
ramblers clocked up 29 miles. Operations Director Stewart Smallwood
says: "We're working in front of all this lovely food everyday
so we have to do something to work it off as well! Walking's just
one of the things we do."
Earlier
in the year, the staff faced their toughest challenge yet - the
Peaks Lakeland Challenge which took place in July. Stewart says:
"We do an awful lot of walking, which doesn't sound too strenuous
until you look at the fact that we are walking in the mountains
and Lake District. We actually trained all year for our latest challenge,
which was in aid of an international children's charity. We climbed
12,000 feet and 29 miles in 19 hours. In places we had to use ropes
to get up the mountains, so it certainly wasn't just a stroll in
the park. We had everyone, including the secretaries to the chief
executive taking part."
If
your workplace is a healthy workplace - you can find out more about
the BBC Health Works Award on the Big
Challenge website.
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