Food Power Action Plan, Sandwell, England, UK

City/Town/Village: Sandwell
County/Province/District (Name of): West Midlands
Sub-national State: n/a
Country: England
Language: English
Spatial Distinction: Peri-Urban; Urban
Level of Government: Metropolitan Area; Town
Population: 325,460
Population Range: 250,000 to 999,999
Policy Type: Plans
Food Systems Sector(s): food acquisition, preparation and consumption; food retail
Year of Adoption: 2019
Adopting Government Department(s): Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
Lead Implementing Entity: Jubilee Food Network
Supporting Entity: iSandwell
Additional Supporting Entity: Food Power Alliance; SMBC Public Health; Six Towns Credit Union; Just Finance Foundation; Black Country Consortium
Funding Amount: n/a
Funding Sources: n/a
Policy Links: PDF-Original – Web
Link to Additional Resources:
Policy Outcome:

Statistical data shows that Sandwell residents experience significant health inequalities when compared to the national average. A people’s survey also indicated the lack of availability of affordable, fresh food in the borough. All of that prompted the Borough council to partner with the Jubilee Food Network and release the Food Power Action Plan.
The plan has three major objectives, (i) Eating well and healthy is made a priority in Sandwell, (ii) improve food access and ensure residents have enough opportunities to learn about nutrition, cooking, and shopping for food, and (iii) Combat hunger by promoting Healthy Start vouchers, free school meals and eradicating holiday hunger. Promotion of innovative food projects like Your Local Pantry, Barlow Road Community Garden, Common Ground Community Orchard are already ongoing in the borough of Sandwell.

Policy Keywords: community; community garden; consumer education; consumption; food access; food action plan; food assistance programs; health; healthy food; local food; nutritional meals; school meal program