Recipe for success for Halton's food club (From Runcorn and Widnes World)

Community food club scoops top award

6:20pm Monday 29th October 2012 in News By Barbara Jordan

A FOOD club has proved it has the recipe for success after winning a top award.

New shoots which offers Halton residents cut price fresh fruit and vegetables was runner up in the Social Enterprise Network Awards as the best example of collaboration, effective partnership and consortum category.

Eileen O’Meara, director of public health for Halton, said: “This recognition highlights the effective partnershop we have in creating such a valuable service for the local community.

“The New Shoots concept is simple. It provides good quality, reasonably priced fresh produce to those living or working in Halton, “We know times are tough, but eating a good balance of fruit, vegetables and salad doesn’t have to be expensive.

“This club gives people the chance to weekly fresh goodness at a fraction of the cost they usually pay.”

The health improvement team of Bridgewater Community Healthcare NHS Trust has been a key supporter of the scheme since it was launched in March, 2010.

Now, with local volunteers, it has now become independent and self financing.

Mixed family bags of fruit and vegetable are available for £3.50, and smaller packs are £2.

Six free range eggs are £1.

There are currently 11 clubs across Halton, including Windmill Hill, Brookvale, Halton Lodge, Halton Brook, Ditton and Warrington Road Children’s Centres.

For more information about how to join, call Isobel Hoxton on 07547 745947 or visit newshoots-halton.com