We’re delighted that a scheme which helps Barnsley families on low incomes to buy fresh fruit and vegetables and supports them to give their children the healthiest possible start has won an award for their great work.  

Alexandra Rose Charity has won the Food Innovation Award at this year's BBC Food and Farming Awards. The awards honour those who have done the most to promote the cause of good food, celebrating businesses, organisations and people working to make a difference to change the future of our food.

Alexandra Rose Charity's innovative and unique work was recognised by the judges for the delivery of their Rose Vouchers for Fruit and Veg Project around the UK for almost 10 years and their pioneering Fruit and Veg on Prescription Project in the London Boroughs of Lambeth and Tower Hamlets. Both projects have at their heart the mission to help families on low incomes afford fresh fruit and veg and provide a healthy diet for themselves and their families.

Barnsley was the first location outside of London to launch Rose Vouchers. Since its launch in 2016, it has grown to become one of their biggest projects, with nearly 2,000 families supported over the last seven years. An important part of the scheme is the involvement of  Barnsley Market at the heart of the town centre, where a fantastic selection of fruit and veg is available. 

Dan Saladino introduced the charity's win with: "There is one initiative, the judges believe, that if implemented at a national level, could very quickly make a significant impact on millions of lives. For that reason, this year's winner of the Food Innovation Award is Alexandra Rose Charity."

Jonathan Pauling, Chief Executive at Alexandra Rose Charity said: "We’re honoured to have won the Food Innovation Award at the BBC Food and Farming Awards. This recognition is down to the hard work of our brilliant team and partners, who have brought to life the vision of Alexandra Rose Charity – for everyone to have access to healthy and affordable food. We couldn’t be prouder of what we have achieved over the last ten years, and I’d like to thank all the funders, supporters and local partners who have helped the growth and development of our work. Innovation is at the heart of everything we do – from our groundbreaking work in early years nutrition to our work to support people to manage their long-term health via Fruit & veg on Prescription. We are hugely grateful to the BBC Food & Farming Awards for this fantastic acknowledgement of our work.”