Eat Out is calling for entries for the Eat Out Woolworths Sustainability Award, a prestigious award that evaluates all aspects of a restaurant’s sustainability.
“We launched the award to acknowledge the one restaurant leading the pack in South Africa,” says Eat Out Editor, Linda Scarborough. “We’re looking for an awareness of not just the environment and higher animal welfare standards in farming, but of human health and social justice, too.”
The Eat Out Woolworths Sustainability Award was first launched in 2016, and since then both Table at De Meye and Camphors at Vergelegen have been recognised for their sustainable ethos.
Says Feroz Koor, group head of sustainability, Woolworths Holdings: “Each year it becomes more apparent how important it is for us all to be aware of our environmental and social impact. Restaurants have a vital role to play because they bridge the gap between food suppliers and diners, and can influence both sides. Our aim with this award has always been to increase awareness and inspire all parties to reduce their impact. We are starting to see the results of this reflected in the entries.”
Entries for the Eat Out Woolworths Sustainability Award close on the 31st of August, and if you would like to enter you can find the entry form on the Eat Out website here. Entries will be judged on a strict set of criteria in three categories: responsible sourcing, community impact and environmental impact. Scores are allocated for the sourcing of meat, seafood and fresh produce; the design of menus; the impact of the restaurant on its surrounding communities; treatment of staff; use of resources like water and electricity; and efforts to recycle, amongst other measures.
The judges for this year’s Eat Out Woolworths Sustainability Award are Pavitray Pillay of WWF-SASSI, Sonia Mountford of Eategrity and Karen Welter of the Longtable Project. The winner will be announced at the annual Eat Out Mercedes-Benz Restaurant Awards in November.
*Pictured is last year’s Eat Out Woolworths Sustainability Award winner, Michael Cooke of Camphors at Vergelegen restaurant, together with Feroz Koor, Group Head of Sustainability for Woolworths Holdings.
