Littleport is leading the pack when it comes to healthier options - three signed already to new project
Sharmans Café, the Swan on the River and YPL are all serving up healthier foods for their customers after signing up to the Healthier Options project - Credit: Archant
A pilot project encouraging healthier eating in restaurants and food outlets has had three businesses sign up in Littleport – more than other place in Cambridgeshire.
Sharmans Café, the Swan on the River and YPL are all serving up healthier foods for their customers after signing up to the Healthier Options project, which encourages outlets to make simple swaps on their menus that are healthier and taste just as a good.
The three businesses will now have access to a range of resources to support them to make a pledge towards adding a number of healthier meals to their lunchtime menus. The pilot will run until the end of the year before being reviewed to see if it has been a success.
Littleport and its lunchtime economy were specifically chosen by the project for the pilot and businesses with a Hygiene rating of three and above were encouraged to apply.
Liz Knox, Environment Manager at East Cambridgeshire District Council, said: “On average eating out accounts for about 10 per cent of the food and drink people consume so it is really important food businesses include options on their menus to enable their customers to make healthy choices.
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“For individuals it is about education and understanding what they are eating, while for food businesses it is realising the potential of marketing yourself as a healthy choice outlet. In Littleport, it is great that three businesses are providing Healthier options for customers and they have recognised the benefits not only to their business but also for their customers. .”
Jan Samuel from Sharmans Cafe said: “We pride ourselves on serving our customers with the best food possible so we had no hesitation in signing up to the Healthier Options project. It is a great opportunity to show that healthy food doesn’t have to be expensive and we are looking forward to learning how we can improve our menus further.”
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Richard Oyarzabal from Swan on the River said: “Healthier Options is a fantastic project which we are really happy to be part of.”
Mrs Elaine Malkin from YPL said: “We are proud to be part of Healthier Options project.”
Shopping surveys have shown that people are making more health conscious purchases with their food and drink. Healthier Options is supporting local food businesses to keep up with this trend and also acknowledging those businesses that are already have healthy menu options and cooking practices.
Healthier Options was developed collaboratively by Cambridgeshire County Council’s Public Health Team, Cambridge City Council, East Cambridgeshire District Council and Fenland District Council. It is being evaluated by the University of Hertfordshire. The initiative is starting out in Cambridge, with the aim to spread to other areas of Cambridgeshire.
Follow Healthier Options on Twitter @Healthier_Cambs, like it on Facebook Healthier Options - Cambridgeshire or visit www.healthier-options.org.uk.
