St Matthew Housing's The Malthouse Project café in Bury St Edmunds has received a 'Food Hygiene Award 2009'. Awarded by the Environmental Health and Housing Services at St Edmundsbury Borough Council, it recognises the high standard of food hygiene in its premises.

Following a routine environmental health inspection made by the local council, St Matthew Housing (part of Genesis Housing Group) was told its level of food hygiene and food safety management in the café was 'outstanding'.

Simon Johnson, Catering & Events Manager at The Malthouse Project, said, "Since The Malthouse Project café opened in October 2007 we have strived to set and keep the highest standards of food hygiene and cleanliness in everything we do. I am delighted that the endeavors of our café staff and volunteers have been acknowledged in this way."

The Kiln Café at The Malthouse Project on Elsey's Yard, Risbygate Street, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, IP33 3AA, is open Tuesday to Saturday from 9am to 4pm.

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Photograph caption (left to right):
Simon Johnson, Catering & Events Manager; Susan Moss, Training & Catering Co-ordinator; and
Shea Veevers, St Matthew Housing Volunteer

For further information about St Matthew Housing or The Malthouse Project, please contact: Sarah Yarrow, Communications Officer, on 01284 732574 / sarah.yarrow@stmatthewhousing.org.
Visit www.themalthouseproject.co.uk

For further information on Genesis Housing Group, please contact Diana Evans,
press officer, on: 020 7563 0028 / diana.evans@ghg.org.uk

Notes to editors

The Malthouse Project is owned by St Matthew Housing (SMH), part of Genesis Housing Group. SMH provides accommodation for people who are homeless or unsuitably housed. The Malthouse Project officially opened in September 2007 providing a café, heritage centre, community rooms to hire and accommodation for local people with a general housing need. The Project also provides opportunities for residents and services users from SMH and other support agencies to gain work experience and training qualifications in the café. All income generated from The Malthouse Project funds the social objectives of the project.

Genesis Housing Group is a social investment business. It provides homes and services, supporting customers and communities to build futures. Genesis provides homes and services to tens of thousands of people across London and the south east of England. The Group consists of PCHA, Pathmeads, Springboard and St Matthew Housing associations. Genesis also has in its group a charitable foundation, Genesis Community. It is one of the largest and most diverse housing groups in the UK, owning and/or managing more than 38,000 homes. Its overriding aim is to put customers first and provide excellent service to all.