The initiative was launched in July to recognise the ‘inspiring work and dedication’ from both individuals and teams to support their communities.

The ‘Most Heroic Individual’ winner was Tracey Harriott, supervisor at Starbucks, Amadeus at the NEC. Harriott noticed a large quantity of food was being thrown away at the end of each day at the NEC, due to expiry dates. She saw this as an opportunity to collect the food and deliver it to community projects that she was volunteering for.

She commented: “I’m in shock! I’d like to thank the team at the NEC for their continued support in both collecting and supplying donations, my colleagues and friends and family.

“Everyone pitches in to help wherever they can; whether its buying toiletries for the homeless community or lending me fridge space to store surplus sandwiches or my homemade soup, ready for distribution. I may co-ordinate it, but it wouldn’t be possible without all the help people are prepared and happy to give.”

One winner from each category (‘individual’ and ‘team’) will win a £5,000 grant to put towards a training programme or an apprenticeship of their choice.

The ‘Most Heroic Team’ was Fish & Chips @ Weston Grove. The team runs a host of initiatives to support the local community including feeding 40 people a week in hostels, complimentary meals to the elderly to battle social isolation and sponsoring a homeless football team.

Josette Foster, co-owner of Fish & Chips @ Weston Grove, said on behalf of the Most Heroic Team: “We’re absolutely thrilled to receive this very special award. Fish and Chip shops across the country have been at the heart of the community for 160 years.

“We understand the important role we play in supporting the wider community and our social responsibility to care for our extended family. This really comes from the heart, not just during this difficult year - it’s a long term commitment to giving something back.”

The judging panel includes Leo Kattou head chef at Simpson’s restaurant and 2019 MasterChef: The Professionals finalist; Candice Brown winner of The Great British Bake Off and owner of The Green Man Pub; Lorraine Wood director of Arena and Jojo de Noronha, Kraft Heinz Northern European president.

Wood added: “Huge congratulations go to the winners! We’d also like to thank everyone who took part in Heinz Food Heroes. It was both inspiring and humbling to read through all the entries.

“We were overwhelmed by the kindness and selflessness that both individuals and teams have shown. And, as we navigate through yet more difficult times ahead, it’s really important to see and hear how we can all pull together and support each other.”