Rossendale sandwich bar success

An East Lancashire businesswoman whose sandwich bar was ‘boosted’ by winning a Gold award in scheme promoting healthier eating choices for food outlet customers has urged 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 at awards ceremony in 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.

The Gold Award is available to those with a 5* food hygiene rating, Silver for a 4* and Bronze for a 3* rating.

Representatives from eight businesses were given the accolades by Cllr Judith Driver, Mayor of Rossendale, who expressed her appreciation for their dedication to providing healthier food choices.

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.

“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.

“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. We now offer skin-on fries.”

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.”