GOL’s local food report addresses the needs of ethnic minorities

In December 2004 the Government Office for London published Local Food Policies and Cultural Diversity in London.

The report examines food policies in the capital to see how far they, and other food projects, address the needs of minority ethnic groups. The diversity of London’s population, and the fact that poverty and poor health disproportionately affect some minority ethnic groups, make food strategy a key issue for local authorities.

The key recommendations in the report are that:

• Intervention and education in schools must be a priority and school meals need to be improved to ensure the foods are nutritious, appetising and enjoyable to eat.
• Knowledge of the composition and nutritional value of foods needs to be improved across all groups in London.
• Communication with minority ethnic groups needs to be improved. This includes increased provision of bi-lingual health professionals and community workers.
• A London-wide network for food and health and community workers is needed to share relevant information and practical advice.
• Longer-term funding is needed for the financial sustainability of successful food access projects.
• Public and private food sectors need to work more in partnership with each other to implement Borough food and nutrition strategies.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Minister for Food and Farming, Lord Whitty said:

“This report recognises the diverse nature of London's food culture. It is important that, locally and nationally, policymakers recognise that food issues go hand in hand with economic development, community development, health, education and the environment.  We must work together to develop coherent strategies, which deliver real benefits to all citizens.

“Defra is doing this with other government departments in our work on a Public Sector Food Procurement Initiative and with the Department of Health on the Food and Health Action Plan. 

“In London and the South East we continue to work closely with Government Offices and regional bodies on local delivery of our sustainable farming and food strategy.”

More information

More information and copies of the report can be found at http://www.go-london.gov.uk/sustainable_development/food.asp

For more information contact Kiran Grover 020 7217 3472