A new report identifies challenges residents face when trying to access healthy food and lays out actions the Council is taking to address them.
Hounslow Council launched a new report called A Food Systems Review for Hounslow: Connecting people to a heathier, sustainable and fairer food system at an event at the BridgeLink Centre in Isleworth on Friday, 20 March.
The report examines how food is one of the most important factors shaping our health and that the quality of what we eat directly affects our physical wellbeing, mental health, and quality of life. Yet many people are still unable to access affordable, nutritious food, leading to rising levels of obesity, diabetes, and other food-related ill health.
It highlights the ways Hounslow Council is prioritising improving the local food system to combat this and help everyone in the borough to live longer, healthier lives.
Key initiatives towards this aim include: supporting community food-growing projects, cookery training to help residents build confidence in preparing healthy meals, and the Healthier Catering Commitment scheme, which works with local food businesses to promote healthier options.
This work has seen Hounslow’s efforts lauded in the Good Food Local (London) report published on Wednesday, 18 March. It revealed that Hounslow is one of the leading London boroughs in areas including community food action, healthier food environment, Holiday Activities and Food (HAF), and food growing.
Councillor Salman Shaheen, Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Public Spaces, London Borough of Hounslow Council, said: “Food is at the heart of our communities. It shapes our health, our local economy, our environment, and our sense of belonging.
“This Food Systems Review reflects months of engagement with residents, community organisations, local businesses, and Council staff. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to everyone who contributed their time, insight, and lived experience.
“I welcome this review as a robust evidence base to develop a Food Strategy for Hounslow that connects residents to a healthier, more sustainable and fairer food system.”
Cllr Lily Bath, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, Public Health and Health Integration Food, London Borough of Hounslow Council, said: “A strong food system helps us take a proactive approach to improving health. It allows us to promote better nutrition, support healthier diets, and create environments where the healthy choice is the easy choice.
“This includes improving access to fresh food, supporting education around healthy eating, and working with local partners to reduce reliance on unhealthy, highly processed foods.
“By addressing food and health together, we can prevent illness rather than simply treat it. This not only improves individual wellbeing but also reduces long-term pressure on our health and care services.”
