The award aims to recognise individuals who are working to support healthier eating in vulnerable groups in the community.
Amanda is a former primary teacher who co-founded the charity Give. Help. Share during lockdown 2021 with the aim of feeding vulnerable children nutritious food. Melissa is a public health nutritionist working at World Cancer Research Fund.
Sara Stanner, science director at the British Nutrition Foundation, said: “Going through the applications received, we were both in awe and humbled to see the work all our applicants have been undertaking to support healthier eating within community groups that are particularly vulnerable across the UK.
“As each applicant had an inspiring story to tell, deciding on one winner for the award was really challenging for the committee but it gives us immense pleasure to acknowledge the efforts of all our winners and would like to congratulate them on the impact they’ve undoubtedly created in the lives of the people they are able to support.”
Amanda hosted food education workshops across Hertfordshire and North London, in order to support children to lead healthier lives. She has facilitated and coordinated the delivery of over 30,000 food parcels and over 200 food education workshops.
Melissa created a cook-along programme for cancer patients to empower people with the knowledge and skills they need to cook a healthy meal. The programme also helps to combat the isolation many feel after their cancer diagnosis and aims to improve participants’ quality of life by helping them eat well again.