Sheila McKechnie award 2007

Two initiatives will be chosen annually, for awards of £15,000 each over the following three years.

Background

The late Dame Sheila McKechnie was instrumental in lobbying Government to establish an agency that would genuinely 'put consumers first' and allay consumer concern about a range of food related issues.

These awards aim to commemorate the work that Dame Sheila undertook as a consumer champion.

Many communities struggle to gain access to, and make choices in relation to, quality foods at affordable prices. Consumers with low incomes, or those living in areas that suffer from economic and social deprivation, are often the worst affected. Local community food initiatives help to overcome some of these problems, whilst educating communities about the importance of maintaining a well-balanced and nutritious diet.

To be eligible community food initiatives are required to develop a 3-year Action Plan, setting out what they plan to achieve during that period.

The Action Plan should address the following:

• The main objectives over the three year period
• How the objectives will be achieved
• What targets/milestones will be set
• What the main outcomes are
• How the funding will be used

Applications for the 2006 award must be received no later than 6 December 2006.

A shortlist of outstanding initiatives will then be made FSA officials will then visit these initiatives to gain a further insight into the work that they are doing within their community.

Winners will be announced in March 2007 and funding for the winners will commence in April 2007.

Full details of information required in the Action Plan, and of how to apply, are contained within the application form, which can be downloaded at the link below.

Alternatively email us at mckechnieaward@foodstandards.gsi.gov.uk or call 020 7276 8170/8049 and an application form will be sent to you.