The Trafford Healthy Choices Award, which is available at 4 levels (bronze, silver, gold and gold plus) is a voluntary award given to caterers who are committed to offering healthy food choices to the consumer.

The award which is available to workplace and hospital canteens, restaurants, takeaway outlets, sandwich bars, pubs, hotels and community cafes, has two main aims:

1. To provide healthier menus to the consumer through improved preparation and cooking methods and promotion of healthier foods
2. To allow the consumer to make an informed choice regarding the catering establishments they can eat in which supply healthy food options

If you satisfy the broadly compliant element of your most recent food hygiene inspection then you are eligible for the award. You can contact the Environmental Health Team to find out this information.

An initial visit by a Public Health Nutritionist will be arranged to discuss the award with the relevant member of staff. The meeting will allow an initial assessment of current catering practices using the Trafford Healthy Choices checklist. This will determine what stage you are currently at and what areas may need to be developed in order to achieve the award. Recommendations will then be given for you to work towards to achieve the minimum of bronze or further recommendations to achieve a higher award level.

Once your award entry has been approved you will gain the following:

• Recognition - customers will be able to recognise your premises as making positive contributions towards offering healthier choices
• Promotional material - a certificate and window sticker to display on your premises
• Publicity - a listing on the Trafford council website and the Trafford Our Food Network webpage and recognition on the Visit Trafford website

Download the Trafford Healthy Choices Award checklist