The Chippy With The Most Bottle! Heinz Food Heroes Announces Winners
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einz Food Heroes – the new awards programme from Heinz and hospitality networking association, Arena, seeking to recognise and celebrate those within the food industry who have gone above and beyond in their community – has announced its inaugural winners, one of whom is an award winning fish and chip shop! Most Heroic Team: Fish & Chips @ Weston Grove Fish & Chips @ Weston Grove runs a host of initiatives to support their community. This includes sponsoring a homeless football team to provide team skills and reduce isolation, feeding 40 people a week in temporary hostels (during and after lockdown) and complimentary meals for the elderly to encourage interaction and alleviate loneliness. It’s the first chippy to be Makaton-friendly and is also dementiafriendly. Children visit the shop and take part in activities relating to sustainability and the versatility of potatoes, for science and regular cooking lessons give local families the skills to prepare nutritious meals at home. They’re also plastic-free pioneers! The judging panel comprised of Leo Kattou, head chef at Simpson’s restaurant and 2019 MasterChef: The Professionals finalist, Candice Brown winner of The Great British Bake Off 2016, Lorraine Wood, Director of Arena and Jojo de Noronha, Kraft Heinz Northern European President. And with over 150 inspiring entries received, deciding on the winners was no easy task. Jojo de Noronha, Kraft Heinz
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Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • December 2020
Northern Europe President, says: “Selecting overall winners for these awards was exceptionally difficult. It’s been the most challenging year most of us have ever faced and we know that there are heroes from all walks of life and from all corners of the country. As an industry, I’m sure we all offer our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has gone above and beyond to contribute to those that need it most. “Both of our winners stood out for their approach in supporting the community as a whole; many different people benefit from their fantastic work and support.” Each winner of Heinz Food Heroes will receive £5000 to continue to make life better. Fish & Chips @ Weston Grove will use the money to support their homeless football team in addition to aiding professional development by sending the team on a sea fish course at Billingsgate market. Josette Foster, co-owner of Fish & Chips @ Weston Grove, said on behalf of the Most Heroic Team: “We’re absolutely thrilled to receive this very special award. Fish and Chip shops across the country have been at the heart of the community for 160 years. We understand the important role we play in supporting the wider community and our social responsibility to care for our extended family. This really comes from the heart, not just during this difficult year - it’s a long-term commitment to giving something back.” The award for the most heroic individual went to Tracey Harriott, supervisor at Starbucks at, Amadeus at the NEC, who has been rewarded for her work with out of date food which has spiralled into helping the homeless hostels and other community groups in many other ways. Chippy Chat & Fast Food Magazine • December 2020
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