Food Matters Strategy

Food matters in Ealing because the borough has a large and diverse population with a wide range of health problems related to food. The Ealing, Hammersmith and Hounslow (EHH) Public Health Report (2001), indicates that the rate of chronic diseases such as coronary heart disease (CHD) are falling less rapidly than the national rate.

The aim of Ealing's Food Matters Strategy (pdf) is to raise awareness of the importance of food in our lives and to plan how we can improve our health and welfare. It intends to enable people from all walks of life, to make responsible and informed choices about what they eat.

The Food Matters Strategy began with a vision:
Ealing is the place that improves the health, welfare and prospects of its residents, workers, businesses, visitors, and future generations, through improved access to food, better nutrition, safe food, and sustainability throughout the food chain.

This will be achieved through the following:

Food security:

to optimise opportunities for education and employment, in order to increase income, and improve living conditions so that each part of community is empowered to make their own healthier lifestyle choices.
to improve physical and economic access to food that will contribute to health and quality of life.

Food nutrition and health:

to achieve long term improvements in diet and nutrition.
to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease, diabetes, cancers, stroke, obesity and dental caries in the community.

Food safety:

to ensure safety, composition and information about foods produced, imported, sold and consumed.
to reduce the frequency of food poisoning.

Food sustainability

to encourage and promote both a sustainable food supply and food industry.
to encourage and promote local sourcing and fair trade that minimises adverse environmental impact and addresses consumer concerns.

For more information or to request a paper copy contact Evelyn Gloyn, health co-ordinator, environmental health and trading standards Tel: (020) 8825 8021. If you want to be involved please email: foodmatters@ealing.gov.uk

The London Food Link provides further information on policy-making on food issues, government consultations and the London Plan.