Manx Food Week is once again being held at Noble’s Hospital, Braddan. This event showcases the support that Noble’s Hospital’s Catering Department give to local Manx farmers and producers. On display in the Staff Restaurant this week are a variety of Manx products from suppliers such as Greeba Mushrooms, the Apple Orphanage, Green Mann Water, Robinson’s, Isle of Man Creameries, and Harrison and Garrett Meats. Member for Health, Dudley Butt MLC commented “Noble’s Hospital catering staff work extremely hard to produce great tasting food from local produce, and I feel it is vitally important for Noble’s to continue to support and acknowledge local providers and farmers with events like this.” As in previous years the event has been extended to the patients of the hospital as a way to raise awareness of Manx produce and how it is used within recipes in the patient menu system. A special menu was produced which was given to patients with an explanation of what local products are used by the hospital. A picture of the Manx Flag was placed next to the description of the dish and the patients were given the opportunity to sample the local produce. David Killip, Chief Executive, Department of Health said “Food miles, sustainability and shopping local are topics of growing importance, not just on the Island, but globally. Manx Food Week allows us to highlight to patients and staff alike just how much food is sourced locally from Manx farmers and producers. This of course ensures that patients and staff enjoy fresh, nutritious, high quality, locally grown food and has the added benefits of supporting small, local business and the Island’s wider economy.” Each year Manx Food Week raises funds for a selected charity, this year the staff decided to assist the Isle of Man Commonwealth Youth Games, with an appearance of Tosca (the Games mascot) on the Wednesday. Throughout the week raffle tickets are being sold for a chance to win a variety of items donated by Manx producers. Agrimark kindly donated a ‘Smoothie Maker’ and a hand held blender, and Robinson’s donated a Wok full of ingredients. The first prize for the raffle is from Kathy Irwin, Greeba Farms, who kindly donated her living display of mushrooms, and Robinson’s and Isle of Man Creameries also donated their displays of produce. Minister for Environment, Food and Agriculture, Hon. John Shimmin MHK said “I’d like to express my thanks to the catering team here at Noble’s for putting on such a wonderful event, now in its fourth year and still going strong. I’d also like to express my thanks to the many businesses which are exhibiting, not just for their time and effort this week, without which this event simply wouldn’t be possible; but for their year-round hard work and dedication to producing the wide-variety of increasingly world-renowned home grown food and drink that all of us can enjoy.” Derek Peters, Catering Service Manager at Noble’s Hospital, emphasised “Noble’s is a Manx hospital and we use this high profile event to show that the Department of Health is committed to buying and promoting Manx produce, it is also a useful exercise to show staff and patients the variety of Manx produce on offer.” The organiser, Andy Pennington, Provisions Manager at Noble’s Hospital added “Manx Food Week first came to me a few years ago and I thought of it as a challenge, to be able to show the public and patients that Noble’s doesn’t import meat, dairy or vegetables; and that the hospital prepares all locally sourced produce on site. I also wanted to show that we have a very low carbon footprint with products being sourced within a thirty mile radius, highlighting our efforts towards local sustainability.” On Wednesday the 27st July 2011 the guests below were invited to take part in a ‘tasting session’ courtesy of Manx Food Hampers and Green Mann Spring Water. Hon John Shimmin MHK – Minister for Environment, Food and Agriculture Mr David Killip – Chief Executive Officer of the Department of Health Mrs Lesley C Keenan – Chief Operating Officer/Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Department of Health Mr Norman McGregor Edwards - Director of Health Strategy and Performance Mr Neal Mellon - Noble’s Hospital’s Corporate Services Divisional Manager During the week the catering staff are offering a number of ideas to promote Manx produce including: wearing Manx t-shirts, selling Manx mugs, bags, etc. as well as displaying nutrition information and statistics showing how much the hospital supports Manx producers. The exhibitors for the week includes: Robinson’s Fruit and Vegetables Harrison and Garrett Meats The Apple Orphanage Green Mann Spring Water Manx Food Hampers. Isle of Man Creameries Greeba Mushroom Farm Ellerslie Farm - ENDS -