Jamie Oliver named Sustainability Hero by the SRA

Jamie Oliver has been named Sustainability Hero at the Food Made Good Awards.

The celebrity chef and campaigner was recognised by the Sustainable Restaurant Association (SRA) for his positive influence on eating habits.
SRA president Raymond Blanc made the award at a ceremony at the Royal Horticultural Society's Lindley Hall in London, hailing the Oliver's "unrelenting passion and commitment" to use food as a force for good and improve the nation's health.

Blanc praised Oliver's ability to communicate with all of society, from dinner ladies to the prime minister.

He said: "Since he first burst onto our TV screens as the Naked Chef, Jamie's enthusiasm has been utterly infectious and compelling. So whether he is challenging school caterers head-on, here or in the US, or throwing himself into campaigns with an unrelenting passion and commitment to persuade the nation to buy higher welfare chicken, Jamie carries people with him, leading them to a better place."

Blanc said that Oliver's campaigning on childhood obesity had been particularly impressive.

"Jamie has stood up to be counted, leading from the front, highlighting the problem and more importantly offering solutions, showing others acting positively can make a change," he added.

"He has also done so much to uplift the image of the hospitality industry."

Accepting the award. Oliver said: "Any award is a great honour and this one is extra special because it bears the name of one of my heroes. Raymond is an inspiration and I'm delighted to be able to call him a friend."