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Created: 30 May 2024

A mum shocked by hard-pressed NHS staff having no time to eat healthily has teamed up with Nottingham University and won backing from Erewash Borough Council to offer nutritious meals that key workers can grab.

Ex-mental health worker Emily Willis, 37, successfully applied to the council for a research and development grant to solve a junk food epidemic that also hits police and firefighters.

The authority’s funding provided a major boost as she launched her own company to tackle the problem. More local businesses are now being invited to apply for a fresh round of R & D grants.

Emily was toiling as a care home deputy manager during lockdown when she was reminded how key workers often have breaks so short that an unhealthy snack is all that keeps them going.

Her solution is a range of tasty frozen meals that can be heated up in no time. The Long Eaton mum and her partner Luke, 39, went on to set up a business catering to hospitals and other busy workplaces. The company not only aims to provide nutritious microwavable options but also hi-tech vending machines. Mother-of-one Emily, whose Long Eaton firm I’m So Good! is based in New Tythe Street, said: “It all stems from me being a key worker during lockdown – working long hours and not eating correctly for what my body needs.

“I understood that as a care worker I needed to eat more nutritiously at an affordable price. As I ate better I performed more efficiently.”

Her company – originally founded as Kitchen Prep UK – has been perfecting mouthwatering menu options including Chicken Jerky with Lime, Cauliflower & Sweet Potato, Cod Broth with Courgette Zoodles, and Chakalaka Style Tomato Risotto.

Locally-sourced ingredients are used and packaging is recyclable. No lids have to be pierced and no stirring is needed. There are dairy and gluten-free options.

Recipes have been perfected with the help of nutritionists, dieticians and food scientists at Nottingham University’s Food Innovation Centre.

A survey by the Institute of Health and Social Care found 84 per cent of NHS staff do not have access to a hot food service when working a 12-hour night shift. The NHS has long been worried about the impact on patients when hungry staff end up exhausted and lacking in concentration.

Emily’s challenge has been to get microwave times down to around five minutes. Her application to Erewash council for an R & D grant saw her awarded £15,000. The funding is from a government pot known as the Shared Prosperity Fund – so is not Council Tax money.

I’m So Good! says its mission is to “provide healthy meals to busy staff in settings such as hospitals, care homes, schools and anywhere else with little to no provision for healthy eating options”.

The firm’s website touts a range of freezer dispensers called iVend. There is also an iGrab option with a barcoded iWave microwave – plus an iBean coffee station.
Councillor Curtis Howard, who is Erewash’s Lead Member for Town Centres, Regeneration and Planning, said:

“The council is proud to support local business, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Ms Willis is an excellent example of hard work and dedication, marrying business with our respect for key workers and a desire to improve society.

“I am pleased that we have been able to put this Shared Prosperity Fund money to good use, and hope that we will be able to back local businesses well into the future.”

Firms have until Friday 2 August to apply for the latest round of R & D grants from the council.