London, ON – A focus on better food choices and a corporate policy designed to encourage employees to be healthier have earned London Life the first gold level Eat Smart!® Workplace Award of Excellence in Ontario. The award, presented today by the Middlesex-London Health Unit, recognizes the efforts of London Life to offer healthier foods at the business’ cafeteria and the company’s commitment to food safety and nutrition standards.

“The gold Eat Smart!® Award is new this year and it goes above and beyond what used to be considered the standard for healthy eating at workplaces in Ontario. This award clearly shows London Life’s commitment to the health and wellness of its employees,” says Kim Leacy, Public Health Dietitian with the Middlesex-London Health Unit. “London Life has set a new standard for how a workplace cafeteria can contribute to healthier living for employees.”

“At London Life, we know good nutrition is essential to good health, and we value the health and well-being of our staff,” said Elwood Haas, Senior Vice-President, Corporate Resources. “Providing healthy food options in the workplace makes good business sense.”

“This award recognizes that, as a company, we have supported healthy eating by promoting healthier options, met food safety and nutrition standards, and developed a Healthy Eating Workplace policy. I especially commend our cafeteria staff for demonstrating this commitment every day.”

The Eat Smart!® Workplace Program is a provincial initiative supported by the Canadian Cancer Society (Ontario Division), the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario, the Ontario Public Health Association and local public health units. The program is designed to encourage healthier dining in workplaces and recreation centres across Ontario. Bronze, silver and gold level awards are presented.

For more information about the Eat Smart!® program and how workplaces can become involved, please contact the Middlesex-London Health Unit at 519-663-5317 extension 2353, or visit www.eatsmartontario.ca. The deadline for applications is June 30, 2012.

Media Contacts:
Dan Flaherty, Communications Manager, Middlesex-London Health Unit, 519-663-5317 ext.2469 or 519-617-0570 (cell)
Marlene Klassen, APR, Assistant Vice-President, Communications Services, London Life, (519) 435-7095

Spokespeople:
Kim Leacy, Public Health Dietitian, Chronic Disease Prevention & Tobacco Control, Middlesex-London Health Unit