Important update: Conclusion of the Happy Heart Healthy Eating Award

Workplace and healthcare environments have changed significantly in recent years. In response, the Irish Heart Foundation is developing a broader, more flexible workplace health promotion programme to better meet the needs of modern workplaces.

After more than 30 years of supporting healthier food environments in healthcare settings, the Happy Heart Healthy Eating Award concluded in March 2026 to support a transition to new and more flexible approaches to promoting healthy eating in workplaces.

We sincerely thank all participating sites and the HSE for their long-standing commitment and look forward to continuing to support healthy eating in workplaces across the country.

What is the Happy Heart Healthy Eating Award?

The Happy Heart Healthy Eating Award was a unique health promotion programme created by the Irish Heart Foundation in the mid-1990s with support from the HSE. Over more than three decades, it assisted catering facilities in healthcare services to adopt healthier cooking practices and provide healthier food choices without incurring substantial costs.

Through tailored site visits, expert support and practical guidance, the programme helped create a culture of health and wellbeing and demonstrated participating sites’ commitment to staff nutrition and heart health.

The programme officially ceased at the end of March 2026. Information on awards issued before this date is retained here for reference.

What the award achieved

During its operation, achieving the Happy Heart Healthy Eating Award helped:

· Create a culture of health and wellbeing in the workplace

· Support long-term sustainable healthy eating practices

· Demonstrate a facility’s commitment to staff wellbeing

· Align food and beverage provision with healthy eating standards in healthcare settings

Happy Heart Healthy Eating Award Winners

There are three different levels of achievement for the award: bronze, silver, and gold. You can apply for any level but must meet the specific criteria.

Contact and ongoing support

For general healthy eating advice and support from the Irish Heart Foundation, please visit our Healthy Eating section or contact us at info@irishheart.ie.