Agency launches AFAL 2009

Friday 19 September 2008

Anyone in Wales looking to improve the diet or eating habits of people in their communities could win an AFAL award to help them make a difference.

FSA Wales has given out AFALs – Awards for Food Action Locally – for the past five years and is now inviting applications for its 2009 awards.

The awards are open to individuals and organisations working in the community and voluntary sectors, education, catering, retail or food production, as well as local authorities and health boards looking to make an impact across their communities.

For this round of awards there are three categories:

• initiatives working with primary and/or secondary schools that contribute to the Appetite for Life action plan
• initiatives targeting older people, especially vulnerable older people
• initiatives targeting other priority groups, such as those on low incomes, from black or ethnic minorities, or any other vulnerable consumers

Five awards of £2,000 each are available for projects likely to make the most significant contributions and there are also five runner-up awards of £1,000 each. All ten initiatives will also get an engraved prize and a certificate.

Teresa Owen, public health nutritionist and a member of the 2007-8 judging panel, said: 'We are particularly keen to see nominations relating to activities in more disadvantaged communities in Wales where schemes to improve diet are greatly needed.

'We would also like to receive nominations from projects demonstrating partnership working, innovation or high levels of achievement with limited funds.'

Nomination forms must be completed and returned by 12 December. An independent panel will review entries and finalists will be notified at the end of January 2009.