A healthy learning experience at Teesside University

Teesside University has been recognised for its commitment to promoting health through nutrition and providing healthy options for students and staff.

The University, which serves more than 4,000 customers a week, has worked hard to increase access to healthier foods across its catering outlets and has achieved a top healthy eating award.

The Food4Health Awards scheme is an initiative created by Middlesbrough Council to help local food businesses to meet consumer demand for healthier foods and to raise awareness of the need to have a healthy diet.

The scheme has a set of criteria ranging from reducing levels of salt, fat and sugar and increasing the nutritional quality of food, to promoting healthy eating and adopting responsible businesses practices.

Awards are based on the level of criteria achieved and lead to either a bronze, silver or gold Food4Health award.

Debby Roberts, Teesside University’s Assistant Director of Campus Services said: 'As a university our goal is to help students develop their knowledge and skills and achieve academic success.

'Being able to maintain a healthy diet and satisfy nutritional needs is an essential part of that success.

'We have worked with Middlesbrough Council to take a close look at the foods we serve to our students and staff.

'The Food4Health award scheme has given us a good framework to help us ensure the foods we serve are nutritionally balanced and meet an increasing demand for healthy food.' Councillor Julia Rostron, Middlesbrough Council’s Executive Member for Adult Health and Social Care, said: 'We know that healthy eating and educational attainment are very closely linked.

'This is why we work closely with our schools, academies, colleges and the University to support their efforts to help students maintain good health and wellbeing.

'The Food4Health initiative has helped to improve the diet of many people in Middlesbrough and Teesside University is to be congratulated for its commitment to providing healthy food across its campus.'

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