Jamie Oliver has officially launched the inaugural Australian Food Hero Awards. Supported by a stellar line up of celebrity judges including Dannii Minogue, Jessica Rowe, Andy Allen and many more, the awards celebrate the amazing individuals, community groups and schools, who day in and day out, make sure Australian kids are well nourished and supported.
A panel of 12 expert judges, including Healthy Harold – mascot for Life Ed, Australia’s largest and most recognised provider of preventative health education in schools – will shortlist the awards before Jamie and the celebrity judges choose the ultimate winners. Jamie’s team of celebrity judges include Dannii Minogue, John and Anthony from The Wiggles, Andy Allen, Boo Seeka, Jessica Rowe, Julia Busuttil Nishimura, Jessica Nguyen, Narelda Jacobs, Sarah Harris and Mr Luke will decide the winners across five different award categories: Food Educator of the Year, Food Kindness Awards, Food for Movement, Community or School Food Champion, and Food Entrepreneur of the Year.
Jamie Oliver says, “I’ve seen brilliant work happening in the Australian food system, from farm to fork, that deserves to be celebrated. There are many unsung heroes – educators, caterers, cooks – who are providing deliciously nutritious food for our kids and inspiring them to lead happy, healthy lives through the joy of food. And I’m sure what I’ve seen is just the tip of the iceberg. I can’t wait to uncover more food heroes, and to share their stories.”
Entries open on 31st July at www.jamieoliver.com/foodheroawards and nominees from across Australia will be shortlisted by the judges from 30th September when applications close. The winners will be unveiled at a glamorous ceremony onboard Royal Caribbean’s Ovation of the Seas in Sydney on 13th November.
Royal Caribbean International is the main partner and Wonde is the technology partner for the awards, as well as donating some amazing prizes.
Kathryn Lock, Senior Marketing Director at Royal Caribbean ANZ says, “We are delighted to be the principal partner for the inaugural Jamie Oliver Food Hero Awards in Australia. Royal Caribbean enjoys a long-standing partnership with Jamie Oliver, offering our guests the best quality, fresh food alongside treasured family moments around the dining table on our Quantum class ships. It is exciting to work with Jamie to recognise and celebrate Australia’s food heroes within our communities who are supporting the happiness and health of our nation’s kids from the ground up.”
Peter Dabrowa, Wonde, CEO and Co-Founder “We are thrilled to support The Jamie Oliver Food Heroes Awards 2024, honouring the dedicated individuals and groups driving positive transformation in the Australian food system. Wonde’s partnership with The Jamie Oliver team allows us to harness technology to equip individuals and communities with the knowledge and resources needed to make healthier lifestyle choices. We take immense pride in this collaboration and wish all nominees the very best of luck!”
The 2024 Jamie Oliver Food Hero Award categories:
- Food Educator of the Year: This teacher is a real star, going above and beyond to inspire children in schools, OSHC (out-of-school-hours care) programs and early childhood settings through the joy of food. Open to: Teachers/school staff; school canteen operators; members of health, sustainability and sporting community groups.
- Food Kindness Award: This person/group has shown real kindness through food at school or in their local community, promoting the benefits of healthy eating and a balanced diet, all while being planet positive. This could be through fundraising initiatives for local food banks, providing meals to families/children in need, or setting up community cooking or growing classes. Open to: Students, teachers/school staff, school canteen staff, members or groups of the community.
- Food for Movement: This person is all about getting kids eating good food and being active, benefitting their mind, body and soul. Open to: Teachers/school staff; members of health, sustainability and sporting community groups.
- Community or School Food Champion: This person or group heroes school food or their local food community and/or multiculturalism through deliciously healthy food. Open to: Community groups, students, volunteers, educators, or school/canteen staff.
- Food Entrepreneur of the Year: This award is for those who are putting all their love and care into making incredible produce to help kids stay healthy, or those building a business with sustainability and healthy food for kids at its heart. Open to: Small businesses and entrepreneurs at any stage.
Nominate your community Food Heroes at www.jamieoliver.com/foodheroawards
