Business owner whose sandwich bar was 'boosted' by awards urges others to sign up

Donna Miller, the owner of Crumb Sandwich Bar in Rawtenstall, was one of a number of business owners from across Rossendale who were commended during a recent special awards ceremony at Rawtenstall Market.

Lancashire County Council's Trading Standards team runs the Recipe 4 Health scheme, which encourages local food businesses to offer healthier eating choices to the community and consider environmental issues and lifestyle choices.

Firms demonstrate that they are compliant with food safety, food standards and safety legislation. The Gold Award is available to those with a 5* food hygiene rating, Silver for a 4* and Bronze for a 3* rating, with many businesses starting at Bronze and going on to complete all three.

Representatives from eight businesses were given the awards by Councillor Judith Driver, Mayor of Rossendale, who expressed her appreciation for their dedication to providing healthier and safer food choices to their customers. This was the second annual ceremony organized by Rossendale Borough Council.

The businesses were: Crumb, Amphora Kitchen, The Coop, Mason's Creations, all from Rawtenstall; and Dollys, Puddleducks Children's Nursery, The Link Café and The Woolpack, all from Haslingden.

Donna Miller, the owner of Crumb, said: "I was training for the London Marathon and concentrating on my health and fitness when I heard about the scheme and it really appealed to me.

"Taking part in Recipe 4 health has been really beneficial for us. It has boosted the business and generated more sales which has been great. If you are thinking about signing up, do it!

"We have been to presentations before for the Bronze and Silver Awards and each time, social media posts around these accolades boosted our sales when they went up online. It was great to take part again in the presentation at Rawtenstall Market when we reached Gold and to be able to share this news. Being part of the scheme has really boosted us on social media and it's great that there are more healthy eating options available for the community."

Donna explained that she opened Crumb two years ago, after seizing the chance to follow her dreams.

She said: "I was a primary school teacher for 14 years and I was ready for a change. I have always loved sandwiches and when we spotted the opportunity two years ago, I took it and set up Crumb. I love owning my own business and everything is homemade. I even cook up my own meats, so there are no preservatives in anything. We aren't a greasy spoon, we sell 'proper' food!

"Some of the changes that I made after joining Recipe 4 Health include having a fresh salad bar all year, with seasonal items. I changed my portion sizes and swapped from vegetable to sunflower oil, which is much healthier. We now offer skin-on fries, which are better for you."

See our video here which shows the Rawtenstall Market award recipients talk about the benefits of the scheme:

Jeanette Gurney, Trading Standards' Recipe 4 Health Officer said: "All eight of these outstanding businesses have shown hard work and dedication in going the extra mile for the community. We are thrilled for how far they have come on their journey, reaching Gold, Silver or Bronze. The businesses who haven't yet reached the peak have expressed their eagerness to work towards their next award, showcasing their dedication to continuous improvement.

"These fantastic awards are a way to show that you really understand all sides of food safety and healthy eating. We are currently taking more applications from food businesses and recommend that others apply to show the amazing work that they are doing behind the scenes."

Find out more at Recipe 4 Health