A housing scheme for older people, run by Springboard Housing Association, part of Genesis Housing Group, has received the 'Essex Healthy Life, Healthy Eating' Gold award in recognition of its menus, kitchen hygiene and food safety management systems.

Fitzwilliam Court, in Old Harlow, Essex, provides a daily food service to older people, which includes a cooked midday meal.

Part of the process involved in awarding local organisations includes regular inspections, in addition to unannounced random visits. As well as having menus and food preparation methods examined, participants have to be able to demonstrate that levels of fats, oils, salt and sugar are kept to a minimum, and that fresh fruit and vegetables are readily available each day. To win gold a minimum of 50% of ingredients used have to be healthy.

Robert Veale, Senior Cook at Fitzwilliam Court, says "I'm passionate about healthy eating and very proud to have won this award for Springboard which recognises us across Essex. I've worked for seven years and love showing the older residents it's never too late to start eating healthily. We provide healthier meals without compromising on taste. We take the health of our customers very seriously and will be going for Gold again next year!"

Joan Jefferies and Alice Hayes, residents at Fitzwilliam Court, say "we've lived here for around five years and always enjoy our meals at Springboard - they never compromise on taste and it's lovely to know that our meals are so healthy. Gold is quite an achievement - well done Robert!"

NOTES TO EDITORS

Genesis Housing Group provides homes and services to tens of thousands of people across London and the south east. The Group consists of PCHA, Pathmeads and Springboard housing associations. It also has a charitable foundation, Genesis Community, and is one of the largest and most successful housing groups in the UK. Genesis Housing Group owns and/or manages more than 40,000 homes across London and the south east. Its overiding aim is to put customers first and provide excellent service to all.

Springboard is the newest member of the Genesis family. It joined Genesis Housing Group in April 2005 and currently supports more than 5,000 households in 24 local authority areas across London, Essex and Hertfordshire. In addition to general needs housing, shared ownership and leasehold properties, Springboard specialises in supported housing for the elderly and people with special needs.

TheEssex Healthy Life, Healthy Eating awards scheme is operated by the Essex Food Liaison Group, a partnership between all environmental health officers and food control teams in Essex. It receives assistance from the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health.