Tackling obesity and promoting healthy eating is high on the public health agenda. The CIEH is working to support the need for improvement by publishing reports, introducing toolkits, supporting healthy eating awards and generally seeking to identify areas where environmental health practitioners (EHPs) can develop and promote interventions. Here are some of the things we have been involved with:
Reports
Food Poverty – fact or fiction ?
This is the report of a study conducted in 2007 by the Public Health Alliance for the island of Ireland and supported by CIEH Northern Ireland. The study examines the need for a comprehensive policy on food and health inequalities which looks beyond the issue of poor dietary choices and addresses the underlying structural, financial and psychosocial causes of food poverty.
Controlling the proliferation of fast food outlets
This paper, paper produced for the CIEH Policy Development Board in March 2009 by CIEH Principal Policy Officer, Jenny Morris, looks at how the planning system can be used to deliver healthier eating objectives by limiting the opening of new fast food outlets, particularly in sensitive areas such as around schools and parks.
Fast Food Makeover EHN Vol. 25. Issue 15. July 30 2010
This article in the CIEH members’ journal Environmental Health News reports on a number of healthy eating initiatives aimed at fast food outlets in which environmental health practitioners have played a role.
Toolkits
Eat Clever – food and lifestyles toolkit
‘Eat Clever’ is a unique and innovative project based on an award winning initiative piloted by Anglesey Local Health Alliance aimed at groups of 6 -8 young mothers. It is typically delivered as a series of 5 half day classes, introducing the participants to basic cooking skills, nutrition advice and food hygiene principles. It was launched by CIEH Wales in collaboration with the Food Standards Agency and Food Link in June 2005.
Healthy eating resources
Food Vision
The Food Vision programme, run by the CIEH in conjunction with the Food Standards Agency (FSA) and The Local Government Group is designed to showcase projects aimed at promoting safe, sustainable and nutritious food which in turn help to improve local community health and well-being. Each year Food Vision participates in the FSA’s Food Champion Awards scheme which aims to recognise and celebrate local authorities that have shown innovation and leadership in their work to improve food safety and standards locally, or to improve the diet and nutrition of people in their communities.
Healthier Catering Commitment for London
This project seeks to encourage food businesses in London to commit to offering healthier food choices. The commitments involved utilise the principles of small changes making a big difference, and are easy to administer. They are initially aimed at businesses in the “fast food” sector. The project is coordinated by CIEH London, the GLA and the Association of London Environmental Health Managers (ALEHM) and is being run by local authorities in London.
Wales Healthy Options Award
The aim of the Wales Healthy Options Award is to increase accessibility to tasty food, which has been prepared in a healthy way using good food hygiene practices, and served in a healthy environment.
Presentations
Food Policy and Environmental Health
Presentation by CIEH Principal Policy Officer, Jenny Morris, to the “Lessons to Takeaway” Conference, West Bromwich, 30 June 2010.