Surrey Whole System Food Strategy
Sets out the Whole System Food Strategy for Surrey and priorities and outcomes 2024-2034.
Foreword
Impact of food on health
- Ruth Hutchinson, Director of Public Health, Surrey County Council
- Mark Nuti, Cabinet Member for Health & Wellbeing and Public Health
In the UK food is generally very easily accessible. We have seen the numbers of fast-food outlets and take-away food options grow very quickly over the last few years. Ordering food online for delivery is very easy and very popular. The downside is 'fast food' tends to be calorie dense and high in fat, sugar, and salt. Fast food outlets are not the only source of this type of food, a high number of retail outlets, including the big supermarkets, have a high turnover of this type of product. An over-reliance on this food group can lead to serious health problems and can affect an individuals' wellbeing. The rise in obesity across all ages has become one of the key public health challenges. In the UK it's estimated that around 1 in 4 adults and around 1 in every 5 children aged 10 to 11 are living with obesity. We are also seeing more children being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and an increase in hospital admissions for tooth extraction because of tooth decay. These conditions can have a negative impact on families especially when so many are facing difficult financial challenges week in week out.
Whether we are producers, distributors, retailers or simply consumers we all have a vested interest in having good, affordable, healthy food available. Food can make us feel good, can bring us together socially, culturally, and spiritually. This strategy aims to make this achievable for everyone, in line with the overall ambitions of Surrey Health and Wellbeing Strategy.
We would like to thank all the stakeholders who have contributed towards developing this strategy and who will be essential in delivering its outcomes. These include members of the Surrey Food Partnership Group, our local NHS Trusts and Primary Care, University of Surrey, Environmental Health, Surrey Heathy Schools and Voluntary, Community and Faith sector (VCFS) organisations.
Dr Charlotte Canniff, Joint Chief Medical Officer Surrey Heartlands Integrated Care System, Vice Chair Surrey Health and Wellbeing Board, Executive Director Adult Mental Health NHS Surrey Heartlands, Co-Chair Surrey Heartlands Health and Care Professional Executive
This strategy outlines our commitment to promoting a healthier lifestyle and addressing the issue of food and its consequence on health within our community. It is a comprehensive approach that aims to improve the food environment, support healthier food choices and empower individuals to achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
It is well recognised that obesity is associated with an increased risk of developing chronic conditions such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, certain types of cancer and musculoskeletal disease. These conditions require long-term management and treatment, affecting not only the long-term health of our community but the significant burden on the NHS resources. Our clinical strategy highlights how important prevention is in tackling long-term conditions and reducing obesity is a key ambition. Obesity is a complex challenge for all system partners and requires a multi-faceted and multi-generational approach. By addressing the varied socio-economic factors that influence food choices, and creating supportive environments, we can make significant progress as a system in reducing the prevalence of obesity and its health risks.
We are committed as a system to not only prevent obesity but to develop pathways that allow patients to access treatment options that work for them and provide a sustainable weight loss solution. It is important to acknowledge the emergence of new therapies for weight loss and recognise the necessity for our health system to be adaptable in incorporating these therapies into our services to ensure accessibility for individuals requiring them equitably. By staying abreast of advancements in weight loss therapies and being agile in our approach, we can provide a comprehensive range of weight management options that meet the needs of our patients.
This strategy is a collaborative effort, involving various stakeholders, including local authorities, healthcare professionals, educators and community organisations. The vision has been created, to work towards creating a culture of health, where nutritious food options are accessible, affordable and appealing to the citizens of Surrey Heartlands. I would like to thank all those who have contributed to not only this strategy but are committed to ensuring that it is realised for our citizens of Surrey.
Climate change impact and food
Carolyn McKenzie, Director of Environment, Surrey County Council
Our farmers are the custodians of the land and can help protect our residents and wildlife from the increase in flooding and drought expected as the climate changes. Less intensive farming practices and making space for nature builds resilience into the system protecting our biodiversity, water quality and our food supply. By doing so, we reduce our reliance on imported and ultra-processed food which is higher carbon and vulnerable to changes in climate and human impacts.
Fresh, locally grown produce is great for our health, our economy and the climate. Farmers can benefit by increasing the supply of high-quality, seasonal food. Residents will benefit by having a greater connection to the food they eat with more choice. This forms the basis of a low carbon food system with less processing, storage, transport and waste.
And communities have a strong role to play. We want residents to have access to community growing spaces such as orchards and allotments wherever possible. Not only can they provide important food, but they also bring people together and increase our connection with nature. Food waste can be a big source of greenhouse gas emissions so we need to support our residents to waste less food, saving money and properly recycle food waste. Communities and businesses can work together to prevent food waste and reduce food poverty through the redistribution of surplus food via food banks and community fridges.
I welcome this food strategy which helps to reduce our environmental impact, boost our economy and support our residents.
Executive summary
Our food system is complex involving multiple players and faced with many challenges, such as increased food poverty, reliance on foodbanks, natural losses and climate impacts such as decreased soil and air quality. With the cost of agricultural commodities linked to global gas prices, the concerns about the cost of food have created new challenges. We are also aware that over the recent years, obesity has become one of the key public health issues. In the UK it's estimated that around 1 in every 4 adults and around 1 in every 5 children aged 10 to 11 are living with obesity. Obesity costs the NHS around £6.5 billion a year and is the second biggest preventable cause of cancer. It is also a risk factor for other serious conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, respiratory problems and musculoskeletal issues. As well as causing physical illness, obesity also impacts mental wellbeing, particularly amongst children. Consumption of food in high salt, sugar and fast has also contributed to increase in the number of young children being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.
In recognition of this, Surrey's whole system food strategy has been developed to focus on three key strands: addressing food insecurity, reducing climate impact of the local food system and supporting the local population to keep a healthy weight by enhancing the accessibility and affordability of nutritious food. The strategy acknowledges the importance of having effective lifestyle and weight management services for both adults and children, as well as education and upskilling on eating well and sustainably. It also recognises the development of policy-based interventions in relation to planning, advertising and licensing as key drivers for a healthy environment and a sustainable food system.
The key priorities of the strategy are:
- Priority 1: Food for justice
- Priority 2: Food for wellbeing and preventing obesity
- Priority 3: Food for a healthy weight management
- Priority 4: Food inequalities and insecurity prevention
- Priority 5: Food for the environment
- Priority 6: Food for a stronger economy
- Priority 7: Food in All policies
Through the implementation of this strategy, we aim to create a healthy place for our local population where people are supported to make healthy food choices and work together to protect the environment whilst growing the local economy through a resilient local food system.
1. Background
1.1 Development of the Surrey Whole System Food Strategy
The ambitions and priorities of the Surrey Whole System Food Strategy were initially based on the themes identified by a successful Food Summit in 2022. Subsequently, a draft strategy was co-developed with a range of stakeholders across Surrey, including academic leads from the Volunteer community and faith sector, University of Surrey (bring their expert knowledge and expertise), NHS (including the clinical leads), Districts and Boroughs representatives and the public in 2023. The draft strategy was consulted through a number of workshops attended by a broad range of stakeholders over 18 months to refine and co-produce the priorities which also support the implementation of the Surrey Community Vision, Surrey's Health and Wellbeing Strategy and NHS Long Term Plan Prevention.
The strategy will be supported by a detailed delivery plan which will be agreed, and its implementation overseen by the Surrey Food Partnership (a multiagency stakeholders represented by local authority, University of Surrey, NHS and Voluntary Community and Faith Sector organisations). Important strategic updates will be bought to the Prevention and Wider Determinants of Health Board which reports to the Health and Wellbeing Board and the system-wide Healthcare Inequalities and NHS Long Term Plan Prevention group and the Surrey Healthy Schools steering and advisory groups where appropriate. This will allow us to consult relevant stakeholders at necessary points of implementation.
1.2 Crosscutting strategic themes
- Planning for emergency food provision: food supply is considered as part of local resilience during emergencies, in particular to support the most vulnerable in Surrey.
- Putting food in the heart of council's key decisions: food equality is considered in all decision making from planning our high streets, housing initiatives, procurement/ developing new businesses, licensing and local policies which promote a healthier environment and a sustainable food system.
- Research and evaluation through public involvement: to better understand the root causes of food insecurity, its impact on the local population (particularly vulnerable groups), assess the effectiveness and impacts of local interventions and policy change on health, social, economy and the environment. Meaningful public involvement will be integral to this theme.
1.3 Guiding principles underpinning the strategy
- Equity and justice: to ensure fair access to nutritious and affordable food
- Co-production: to design new and innovative solutions to make Surrey a healthier place
- Whole System Approach: to identify opportunities and local assets and builds on the strength of communities, reducing food inequality and improving health and wellbeing. Also supporting a Surrey healthy schools approach to wellbeing, health, inclusion and achievement when supporting school aged children and young people.
- Place-based considerations: to recognise local needs and infrastructure
2. Aspirations of the strategy
The food summit held in 2022 with a wide range of stakeholders identified the following aspirations for the strategy:
Aspirations | Definition |
---|---|
Equitable access and food security | Fair access to nutritious and affordable food |
Food for health and wellbeing | Built environment which enables, empowers and promotes making healthier food choices and supports wellbeing and ill health prevention across the life course |
Sustainability and waste reduction | A resilient and environmentally sustainable local food system |
Education and skills | Better knowledge on growing food, preparing food and valuing food |
Procurement and social value | Streamlined purchasing processes to allow for responsive purchasing options for those experiencing poverty within commissioned services and engaging with wider volunteering programmes |
Food in all policies | Food is at the heart of community, economy and planning |
In order to achieve these aspiration the strategy will aim to:
- Increase access to healthy affordable and locally produced food in Surrey
- Tackle and prevent food related inequalities and food injustice
- Transform our food environment to support Surrey's population to maintain a healthy weight and prevent obesity for all ages
- Treat obesity and help maintain a healthy weight
- Work towards a more sustainable and resilient local food system to reduce environmental impacts
- Increase our knowledge and understanding about our local food system and its key players
- Enhance partnership working across stakeholders including the industry and local NHS organisations.
- Drive change through stronger public and community involvement
- Consider impact of place level or 'neighbourhood' (for example towns) level implementation
3. Introduction
Food is much more than just a meal. It connects us as society, it impacts the environment, it drives our economy by creating new job opportunities, affects our health as well as being a central part of our cultural life. How our food system works and what we consume in Surrey is crucial in helping Surrey to be a better place to live, work and visit. Food is also a key element of achieving fairness and economic equality and plays a vital role in strengthen community cohesion.
Our food system is complex involving multiple players and faced with many challenges, such as increased childhood obesity, food poverty, reliance on foodbanks, natural losses and climate impacts such as decreased soil and air quality. With the cost of agricultural commodities linked to global gas prices, the concerns about the cost of food have created new challenges.
What we eat has become the biggest risk factor for preventable disease (National Food Strategy, 2021. The Plan), taking a massive toll on our health, causing debilitating illness and placing an unsustainable strain on the NHS. This is not due to individual failure (lack of will power nor a shortage of knowledge) – but rather the end result of a food environment which make it easier for us to eat in a way that is harmful to our health and our planet. The current food environment makes it particularly challenging to make healthier food choices for people with limited time and money.
In recognition of this, Surrey's Whole System Food Strategy has set out approaches to put food in the centre of healthy living from reducing food insecurity and diet related diseases to tackling climate change and building a sustainable food system.
National context
The National Food Strategy was published in 2021 to highlight the urgent challenges facing our food system. As key priorities include: reducing diet-related inequalities; making the best use of our land and creating a long-term shift in our culture. This was followed by the publication of the government's response which was published in June 2022. The paper included:
- A commitment to a land use strategy by 2023
- A consultation on mandatory reporting by industry on health, and 'explore' the same on environment and animal welfare
- A consultation on public food procurement, with the goal of 50% local or higher standard food
The events of Brexit, the pandemic, the war in Ukraine as well as the rising costs of living have all demonstrated the volatility of our food system and the necessity for change. Not only is there growing pressure on national government to address these issues, but the strategy notes the importance of local areas taking the opportunity to develop their own food strategies.
Many local authorities have already begun developing food strategies and partnerships in the last few years to ensure more focused actions are in place to support the development of policy-based interventions and programmes to reduce obesity, tackle child food poverty and mitigate the climate impacts of their local food system. Examples include Brighton & Hove Food Partnership, Bristol Council, London (Greater London Authority), and most recently Oxford County Council, all with a common goal of creating a sustainable food system for their communities.
4. Challenges facing the national food system
4.1 Food insecurity and impact on inequalities
According to World Food Summit 1996, "Food security exists when all people, at all times, have physical and economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food that meets their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life".
Although, addressing immediate impacts of food insecurity is essential, steps in preventing poverty in general are also critical. Indeed, the root causes of food inequalities are complex and multifactorial, likely to stem from the wider social, economic and environmental factors. A better understanding of such factors in causing poverty and food insecurity locally, can help with tailoring of more preventive interventions relevant to the local context.
Generally, those with limited financial resources tend to be impacted more by food insecurity and consequently experience poorer health outcomes. Food poverty impacts the population across all ages, but in particular it affects the physical and cognitive development of children with lifelong implication and impact (for example, health, social and economic prospects) as well as contributing to child neglect.
The impact of food inequity on the most vulnerable groups at the national level can be demonstrated in the following data and statistics (Round 3: From an online survey of 6,000 adults in the United Kingdom commissioned by The Food Foundation and conducted between 26-30 June 2023 by YouGov Plc).
- 9 million adults (17% of households) experienced food insecurity in June 2023
- 3 million adults (5.9% of households) reported not eating for a whole day because they couldn't afford or access food
- 23.4% of households with children reported experiencing food insecurity in June 2023 compared with 14.8% of households without children
- 21% of households with children reported that children were directly experiencing food insecurity
- Nearly half of households in receipt of Universal Credit (48.4%) reported experiencing food insecurity in June 2023
- People from ethnic minority backgrounds are at higher risk of food insecurity than white ethnic groups
- Food insecurity levels are over three times as high in households with an adult limited a lot by disability than households with no adults limited by disability
- Food insecurity resulted in an increased risk of chronic conditions (diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, cardiovascular diabetes, obesity) and reduced sleep quality. Obesity itself increases the risk of conditions such as cancer and Musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions. It was also associated with reduced general cognition, visual and learning attainment
- Food insecurity was shown to increase health care costs in infancy and adulthood
Food affordability
Source: The Broken Plate 2023 - Food Foundation
- The most deprived fifth of the population would need to spend 50% of their disposable income on food to meet the cost of the government-recommended healthy diet. This compares to just 11% for the least deprived fifth.
- More healthy foods are over twice as expensive per calories as less healthy foods. Between October 2021 and October 2022, the price of fruit rose by 10.3% and vegetables by 15.1%
Food availability
Source: The Broken Plate 2023 - Food Foundation
- 1 in 4 places to buy food are fast-food outlets
- Only 7% of breakfast cereals and 8% of yogurt marketed to children are low in sugar
- Just 8 major UK food retailers, caterers or restaurants chains currently report publicly on sales of healthy food, fruit, vegetables or animal vs plant-based proteins.
4.2 Food and health
Source: The Broken Plate 2023 - Food Foundation
In 2019 poor diet ranked as the third highest risk factor for hypertension after tobacco use. High sodium and low consumption of healthy foods such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains puts populations at higher risk of cardiovascular disease. The World Health Organisation (WHO) have classified processed meat as a class 1 carcinogen due to convincing evidence that it causes colorectal cancer, yet another example of the relationship between food and poor health outcomes. Despite this, 56% of calories consumed by older children and adults are from ultra-processed foods (source: Global Burden of Disease study).
Not only does the food we eat affect our physical health but also there is a whole body of evidence suggesting how food impacts our mental health.
The Eatwell Guide provides general guidance for healthy eating for anyone over the age of two years. It recommends people eat five portions of fruit and vegetables per day, however only just over half of the Surrey population achieve this (source: Public Health profiles, Office for Health Improvement and Disparities).
Obesity
What we eat has far reaching consequences, and we cannot ignore the obesity crisis that society faces today. Obesity ranks as one of the most significant causes of premature death risk in England (source: Addressing the leading risk factors for ill health - The Health Foundation). Furthermore, greater prevalence exists across populations who live in poverty due to a number of socio-economical factors that inhibit physical activity opportunities, food security and access to a balanced diet (source: Health inequalities briefing, The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). The reasons for this are multifaceted but strongly underpinned and influenced by social and wider determinants of health.
Measuring obesity
Different weight classes are defined according to a person's body mass index (BMI). This is calculated by dividing the person's weight in kilograms by the square of their height in metres:
- Healthy weight - BMI of 18.5–24.9 kg/m2
- Overweight - BMI of 25–29.9 kg/m2
- Obesity l - BMI of 30–34.9 kg/m2
- Obesity ll - BMI of 35–39.9 kg/m2
- Obesity lll - BMI of 40 kg/m2 or more
For children it is important to adjust for the continuous height and weight changes during normal growth. It is important when using BMI in children that age and gender appropriate growth references are used to correctly determine weight status. In England, the UK90 Growth Reference chart is used to determine weight status. Clinical thresholds are defined as follows:
- Underweight: a BMI centile less than or equal to the 2nd centile
- Healthy weight: a BMI centile greater than the 2nd centile but less than the 85th centile
- Overweight: a BMI centile greater than or equal to the 85th centile but less than the 95th centile (i.e. overweight but not obese)
- Obese: a BMI centile greater than or equal to the 95th centile.
- Severely obese: BMI centile greater than or equal to 99.6. This BMI classification is a subset of the "Obese" classification. Data has shown that one in four children aged 10-11 are obese in England(source: Obesity profile - OHID)
It is well known that obesity is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease with around 31,000 heart and circulatory deaths a year attributed to it each year (British Heart Foundation, 2021). It also heavily contributes to the development of respiratory conditions such as asthma, and is thought to be the cause of around 13 different cancers (source: How does obesity cause cancer?- Cancer Research). Furthermore, people living with obesity have lower life expectancy than those who are of a normal weight or overweight. Obesity also heavily affects quality of life - for example causing earlier onset of osteoarthritis – and significantly impacts mental health and well-being. We are seeing around 9,600 diabetes-related amputations carried out each year, an increase of 19% in six years (source: The Broken Plate 2023 - Food Foundation). The data highlights a growing trend requiring significant action now. A modelling by the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) estimates that by bringing the childhood obesity down to 1980s level could save the NHS £37 billion and would be worth £202 billion to wider society over the lifetimes of the current generation of children in England.
A large body of evidence demonstrates the benefit of losing weight to individual health. According to the Better Health campaign launched by the UK government losing just 5-10% of your weight can have positive health benefits, including a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and some cancers. The campaign also highlights six key health risks that can be reduced if excess weight is lost, including decreased risk of common cancers (colon, liver, pancreas, kidney), lowered risk of increased blood pressure, reduced risk of heart disease, less risk of developing diabetes, less strain from chronic back and joint pain, and decreased risk of being hospitalized or becoming seriously ill with COVID-19.
Obesity is also a risk factor in pregnancy, increasing risks to both mother and the baby, with the highest rates in the pregnant women living in deprivation. Nutritional exposure in the womb can impact the long-term health outcomes for babies. Breastfeeding reduces the risk of obesity later on in life; however, marketing tactics have been able to undermine the benefits of breastfeeding, resulting in fewer babies being breastfed globally. Although there are some good initiatives to increase breast feeding rates locally and nationally.
Similarly high sugar and fat containing diets marketed for children are driving the obesity rate amongst children. Sadly, in some parts of the country the main reason for hospital admissions in children is for tooth extraction due to decay likely due to consuming food and drinks high in sugar as well as other contributing factors such as poor dental care. Children with obesity are five times more likely to be obese in adulthood which puts them at a greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes well before they reach adulthood. Further complications of childhood obesity include breathing problems, sleep difficulties, behavioural and mental health concerns which can all significantly impact of a child's quality of life. Data shows:
- breastfeeding is associated with a 13% reduction in the prevalence of child overweight or obesity. However, UK has one of the lowest rate of breastfeeding across the world. Only 36% of babies in England are receiving some breast milk at 6 months compared to 71% of Norwegian babies (source: Infant feeding: commissioning services).
- dental decay is the most common reason for 6-10 year olds to be admitted to hospital in England.
- almost a quarter (24%) of 5-year-olds have dental decay, with 5 times as many children in the most deprived fifth affected compared with the least deprived fifth (source: Infant feeding: commissioning services).
- children in the most deprived fifth of the population are over twice as likely to be living with obesity as those in the least deprived fifth by their first year of school
- child obesity in England costs approximately £51 million per year and into adulthood, £588-686 million per annum (source: Infant feeding: commissioning services).
The Institute of Fiscal Studies, issued a report on the cost of obesity in the UK, updated November 2023, (Table 1) outlining the costs of obesity to the NHS.
Table 1: Estimates of costs in £ billion (2023) Source: Bell, Woolley, Toms and Lebre de Freitas (2023)
Costs | Costs from obesity (% of total) | Costs from overweight (% total) | Costs from overweight and obesity (% total) |
---|---|---|---|
Individual costs, lower life expectancy and a reduction in the quality of life, informal social care | 54 (72%) | 9 (40%) | 63 (64%) |
NHS costs (National) | 11 (15%) | 8 (20%) | 19 (20%) |
Wider society costs - costs of inactivity in work, formal social care | 9 (13%) | 6 (26%) | 16 (16%) |
Total in £bn | 74 | 24 | 98 |
Extrapolating this data to NHS Surrey Heartlands represents £180-£220 million per year in NHS costs for obesity alone.
Type 2 Diabetes
Diabetes is a non-communicable disease (NCD) where the amount of glucose in the blood is too high. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease whereby the body is unable to produce any insulin, and Type 2 diabetes develops when the body stops producing enough insulin or the body's cells stop reacting to insulin produced. Type 2 diabetes is associated with lifestyle factors – being overweight or obese is the major modifiable risk factor for Type 2 diabetes. The onset of Type 2 diabetes can be delayed or prevented through support to change behaviour around healthy eating and physical activity.
Being overweight or obese is the main modifiable risk factor for Type 2 diabetes, with the likelihood of developing the disease and the risk of complications being closely linked to body mass index (BMI). There is a 7 times greater risk of diabetes in obese people compared to those of a healthy weight, and a threefold increase in risk for overweight people.
Recent Diabetes UK analysis has revealed that the number of children receiving treatment for type 2 diabetes in Paediatric Diabetes Units in England and Wales has increased by over 50%. National Paediatric Diabetes Audit (NPDA) data also shows that the impact of type 2 diabetes is being disproportionately felt by children living in the most deprived areas across England and Wales. 4 in 10 children and young people living with type 2 diabetes are from the most deprived areas, compared to only 1 in 19 from the least deprived areas. The latest NPDA data (2022/23) shows that here are 21 children who have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in Surrey Heartlands.
4.3 Climate change impacts
Sources - YouGov, 2022. Most people are worried about climate change – but what are they willing to do about it?, Crippa, M., Solazzo, E., Guizzardi, D. et al., 2021. Food systems are responsible for a third of global anthropogenic GHG emissions. Nat Food 2, 198– 209, Sustainable and Healthy Food Systems (SHEFS), Policy brief 4: How can policymakers boost fruit and vegetable production and consumption.
- Climate anxiety is now affecting two thirds of people in the UK.
- A third of greenhouse gas emissions come from the food system and food production
- A considerable proportion of fruit and vegetables consumed in the UK are imported from countries vulnerable to the effects of climate change
- Increasing intake to five-a-day (while reducing meat and sugar consumption on a per kcal basis) would lead to significant health and environment benefit
- Land-use changes associated with a shift to diets containing more vegetables and less meat could result in gains to biodiversity in the UK.
5. Local context
5.1. Surrey County Council's Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2022 specifically addresses the importance of food and its wider economic, psychosocial aspects under its priority one (Supporting people to lead healthy lives by preventing physical ill health and promoting physical well-being) and priority three Supporting people to reach their potential by addressing the wider determinants of health.
5.2. Surrey County Council's 2023-2028 organisation strategy has a purpose to tackle inequality and make sure no one is left behind. It sets out four priorities to deliver this, and the objective 'tackle health inequality' is one of those priorities and will be delivered through partnerships and service delivery via the Health and Wellbeing Board.
5.3. Surrey's climate change strategy 2019-2050. The shared ambition of Surrey's 12 local authorities is that our residents live in clean, safe and green communities, where people and organisations embrace their environmental responsibilities. In support of this ambition – and our commitment to the county achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050 – Surrey's Climate Change Strategy sets out our collective approach to do our part to tackle climate change. Specifically, its ambition on Land Use and Food Systems aims to develop a land use framework to increase accessible green spaces in line with the national targets and sustainable farming practices
5.4. Surrey Heartlands Integrated Health Strategy ambition one which aligns with the priorities of the health and wellbeing strategy.
Surrey is in good place, as there are already a lot of work and initiatives in place which can enable the implementation of the strategy. For example, the strategy links well with some of the key existing approaches as vehicles such the Surrey Healthy Schools Approach and Eco schools.
The Surrey Healthy Schools approach: which aims to empower schools to identify strengths and areas for development and identifies 5 key themes:
- Whole School Approach towards the promotion of positive health and wellbeing.
- Personal, Health, Social, Economics, Education (PSHE) curriculum (including health and wellbeing, relationships, sex, drug, staying safe and financial capability education)
- Healthy eating (including cooking and health eating in the curriculum, food provision - school meals, packed lunches, pre and post school club food provision and cooking clubs)
- Physical activity, including physical education school sport and physical activity (PESSPA)
- Health: Emotional wellbeing and mental health
Eco-Schools: which is a globally recognised award programme which provides a simple seven step framework to help make sustainability an integral part of school life and supports a Surrey Healthy Schools approach. Eco-Schools supports the enrichment of your curriculum and helps unite young people and the wider school community to care more about protecting the environment. The programme provides a wide variety of inspiration, from introducing recycling schemes, bug hotels and herb gardens, to clean air days and beekeeping. It places young people at the heart of the decision-making and action planning, helping raise awareness of key issues, develop ideas for behaviour change, and empower them to take action. In Surrey, over 450 schools are registered, close to 300 schools have achieved an award and almost 40 schools have gained the highest award, the Green Flag, which is recognised by The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
6. Food system challenges in Surrey
6.1 Food insecurity and impact on inequalities
- 6,175 (0.5%) of Surrey population live in areas at high risk of food insecurity (2021) (Source: The Food insecurity (Direct measure) 93862) is a complementary indicator providing a direct assessment of households experiencing food insecurity at regional and England levels. The direct measure is based on data from the Family Resources Survey)
- There are 15,739 (6.8%) children living in absolute low-income families in Surrey.
- Increasing number of families with children using food banks
- More children experiencing hunger during school holidays (Source: Guildford report and Cabinet child poverty report - 25 Jan 2022)
- 46.9% of children with free school meals status achieving a good level of development at the end of reception. Although this is still better than England, recent trends (2019-2022) have shown it is decreasing and worsening.
- People with a disability have been impacted by the cost of living crisis as shown in a survey produced by Surrey Collation for Disabled People.
6.2. Healthy food access
- There are 668 fast food outlets per 100,000 population in Surrey. However, the last available data is from 2014 and therefore it is likely that this number has increased over recent years.
- In a recent food survey completed by 910 people across Surrey, just over 50% reported they have easy access to healthy food and meal options in supermarkets or local shopping area and 57% said that it takes them between 5-15 minutes to get to the preferred food supply destination. In the same survey, over 60% said it is either fairly or very important to have access to local produce and food. Only 32% of the responders said they grow their own food. The majority of the responders (75%) said they shop weekly in the local supermarkets, 30% buy their food on monthly basis from an independent greengrocer/butcher/baker and only 29% said they would shop from a local food market or a farm shop less than yearly.
6.3 Climate impact of Surrey Food System
- Average cost of food waste anaerobic digestion, including transport in Surrey based on 2021 data was £39 per tonne
- Average cost of incineration, including transport to deal with food waste in surrey is £129 per tonne.
7. Health challenges and impact of obesity and food inequalities in Surrey
7.1 Prevalence
Although Surrey has the lowest prevalence of obesity (adults and children) compared with England (Table2), the trend data show that there has been a gradual increase in the percentage of adults classified as overweight or obese in Surrey from 2017/18. National estimates, published in obesity statistics (House of Commons Library, 2023), suggest that in 2019 around 28% of adults were obese. Clearly there is variation across the country and Surrey does have a lower prevalence of overweight and obesity (58.5%) when compared to England as a whole (63.8%) (Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID), 2023). In 2017 it was estimated that 4% of adults across England were classed as morbidly obese (NHS England, 2023). Data from the 2021 census (Surrey-i, 2023) show there were 917,086 adults aged 20 or over residing in Surrey at that time. Using national estimates (28% adult obesity), there are potentially 256,784 obese adults residing in Surrey. Using national estimates for morbid obesity (4%) there are potentially 36,683 morbidly obese patients residing in Surrey.
Table 2: Prevalence of overweight and obesity in Surrey children and adults
Area | Reception overweight (including obesity) 4-5 years 2022-2023 (%) | Year 6 overweight (including obesity) 10-11 years 2022-2023 (%) | Adults (18+) overweight or obese 2021-2022 (%) |
---|---|---|---|
England | 21.31 | 36.57 | 63.81 |
Surrey | 17.46 | 25.23 | 58.53 |
Elmbridge | 16.01 | 21.35 | 51.98 |
Epsom and Ewell | 14.53 | 25.85 | 55.64 |
Guildford | 17.20 | 23.33 | 57.60 |
Mole Valley | 15.54 | 19.67 | 51.56 |
Reigate and Banstead | 19.44 | 24.36 | 63.98 |
Runnymede | 19.53 | 30.88 | 56.95 |
Spelthorne | 18.63 | 29.68 | 65.71 |
Surrey Heath | 21.82 | 27.11 | 65.53 |
Tandridge | 17.54 | 27.64 | 59.63 |
Waverley | 14.88 | 20.38 | 53.16 |
Woking | 17.37 | 29.47 | 65.69 |
Source: Public Health Outcomes framework, Office of Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID)
Children are weighed and measured in Reception and Year Six at school as part of The National Child Measurement Programme. Table 2 shows how almost one in five children starting school in Surrey are overweight or obese, rising to over one in four by the time they leave primary school.
In Surrey:
- 76.5% of Surrey babies first feed was breast milk in 2019 (this is 67.4% nationally)
- Surrey has 60 severely obese children in Reception and 255 in Year 6
- 13.6% of Surrey population recorded to have a high blood pressure (2022/23) (Source: Public Health profiles, OHID)
- In Surrey, the number of people living with diabetes increased from 51,164 to 52,484 (2023) since last year, 5.81% of residents (Source: London and South East coast region nearing 2 million diabetes diagnoses, Diabetes UK).
The burden is falling hardest on those children from low-income backgrounds, with the highest rates in areas of the greatest deprivation. This is also true for poor oral health, mainly due to differences in sugar consumption, tooth-brushing habits, and dental attendance. In addition to pain, toothache can cause children to stop eating and sleeping, and reduces concentration and/or school attendance. All these effects can increase existing inequalities between children in the most and least deprived areas. Between 2018 and 2019 650, 0- to 19-year-olds were admitted to hospital for dental decay (Oral and dental health, Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA))
7.2 Supporting people to prevent obesity and achieve a healthy weight
There is no one solution to tackle such an ingrained problem and local action to promote healthy weight across the life course requires a coordinated collaborative approach to support change. Local authorities and NHS organisations are in a uniquely influential position to lead their communities and local partners to tackle obesity.
7.2.1 Prevention
Obesity develops across the life course and therefore preventative measures must start early. Due to its complex nature, tackling obesity requires a Whole System Approach. A recent report published in the Lancet (Obesity prevention: changing perspectives) recommends taking a life course approach, targeting environmental and commercial determinants of poor diet, address inequalities and achieve a sustainable food system . A range of national and local weight management programmes are available however these on their own will not be effective in preventing the rise in obesity. Indeed, one of the key ambitions of this strategy is to bring stakeholders from across Surrey to work together to help create healthy food environments, in our schools, local community, high streets, workplaces, healthcare settings, while providing support to individuals to achieve and maintain a healthier weight through the life course.
Keeping active
Movement for Change is Surrey's strategy to tackle inactivity and inequality. By creating a movement for change across Surrey everyone, but especially those that will benefit the most can benefit from the individual advantages of being active. There is also a recognition to make the local physical activity more inclusive and accessible for everyone in Surrey, in particular for those who are more likely to face physical, economical and cultural access barriers.
7.2.2 Access to weight management programmes in Surrey
In Surrey, weight management support is offered through a tiered weight management programme which is designed based on National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines widely adopted nationally. Currently the obesity pathway review is under review to ensure a seamless support offer to the patients which is appropriate and fit for need. The pathways have had to be adopted to allow for access to novel medical therapies and understand their place in therapy. It is recognised that capacity in our services is at a limit with demand far-outweighing capacity.
- Tier 1: aimed at the general population (adults and children) and is a community-based intervention to stay a healthy weight (self-care)
- Tier 2: criteria based, it is delivered in the community and includes voucher schemes for slimming companies such slimming world
- Tier 3 and Tier 4: are specialist weight management services and criteria-based access service for patients with higher BMI who have undertaken Tier 2 services. These included specialist weight management services, offered to patients with very high BMI. Tier 3 services are normally delivered by physicians, specialist nurses, dietitians, psychologists and physio therapists. Typically, individuals with a BMI of over 40 will be accepted on to a Tier 3 service. There are often certain exceptions for individuals with a BMI less than 40 (35>) who have been clinically diagnosed to have at least one serious comorbidity that would improve with weight loss. Bariatric surgery is classified as a Tier 4 weight management and is typically offered to patients with who fulfil all of the following criteria:
- BMI > 40 or between 35 and 40 with significant comorbidities
- All appropriate nonsurgical measures tried
- First attended and completed a tier 3 service
- Fit for surgery/anaesthesia
- Personal commitment.
Weight management services are current provided through:
- Universal offer for adults and children (Tier 1)
- Better Health is national programme commissioned by NHS provides helpful tips and advice to the general population to stay and maintain healthy weight.
- Weight management services for families and children (Tier 2)
- Be Your Best Surrey is the free Surrey's weight management programme, aimed at families with children and teenagers aged 5-17 who are above the healthy weight range. Be Your Best can help all parents with universal online advice, but families who might need an extra hand to manage their child or teenager's weight can get further, personal support via our targeted programme, plus learn more at sessions designed to help change long-held habits.
- Weight management service for adults (Tier 2)
- One You Surrey is the free adult (18 and older) lifestyle service offering a range of programmes such as Slimming World, Gloji Groups and Man v Fat delivered online or in the community to support adults with a BMI greater than 30 or greater than 27.5 if they are from a Black, Asian and Minority community.
- Digital weight management programme: The NHS Digital Weight Management Programme is provided by NHS England. It supports adults living with obesity who also have a diagnosis of diabetes, hypertension or both, to manage their weight and improve their health. This eligible for anyone who has a BMI greater than 30 and 27.5 for people from black, Asian, and ethnic minority backgrounds. To access this, the individual must have a smartphone, tablet, or computer with internet access. The programme involves a 12-week online behavioural and lifestyle programme that people can access via a smartphone or computer with internet access. A new peer reviewed paper, published in The Obesity Journal, shows that 63,937 people were referred to the scheme in its first year with 50% taking up the offer and enrolling onto the service. A total of 14,268 of those then went on to complete the programme (April 2021 to March 2022), with people who completed it losing 3.9kg or 8.59lbs over 12 weeks. More than a third of the referrals were from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds with the data clearly showing it is helping those from deprived backgrounds, as well as those affected by health inequalities and at a higher risk of adverse outcomes associated with obesity.
NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme (DPP) - unlike Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 diabetes is largely preventable through lifestyle changes. The Healthier You NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme, also known as the Healthier You programme, identifies people at risk of developing type 2 diabetes and refers them onto a nine-month, evidence-based lifestyle change programme. The Healthier You programme is available both as a face-to-face group service and as a digital service. When referred into the programme, people are free to choose between the two. This services if free and available across Surrey and nationwide, based on a set of eligibility criteria.
Specialist weight management services for children (Tiers 3 and 4) - there are currently are no fully funded tier 3 and 4 specialist weight management services for children and young people in Surrey. This is recognised as a gap in service provision.
Hubs for severely obese children and young people (Complications from excess weight (CEW) clinics) have been set up across the country. In the south east, hubs will be based in Southampton, Portsmouth and Brighton. Limited funding has been made available from NHS England for 2024/2025 to pilot a small-scale CEW clinic in Surrey, which will not be meet the need nor it will be sustainable beyond the funding period. There is also a need for a more seamless children weight management service to enable a smoother transition to and from different tiers, based on clinical need and criteria.
Specialist weight management services for adults (Tiers 3 and 4) - In Surrey, Ashford and St Peter's Hospitals provide the Specialist Weight Management Service (SWMS). There is no traditional Tier 3 weight management service as described above in Surrey. Instead, eligible patients (as assessed by a clinician) can access the new obesity treatment medications such as Semaglutide (Wegovy) and Saxenda. These drugs have been approval by NICE; there is evidence base on their effectiveness, however the long term maintenance of a healthy weight off the medications remains an unknown. Currently, due to supply issues, these drugs are not yet widely available, and Ashford and St Peter's are working with other NHS partners to supply these medication through phased approach.
There is also limited capacity within our SWMS to initiate, maintain and provide the multi-disciplinary support for patients wishing to access the medical treatments, resulting in the adoption of the phased in approach for Year 1. Currently there is no specialist weight management service for patients who do not want to be treated by such medications or bariatric surgery and are ineligible for Tier 2. It should be noted that the evidence states that bariatric surgery remains the most effective treatment for patients with a high BMI. The surgical arm includes bariatric surgery (Tier 4), which also provided by Ashford and St Peter's Hospital to patients who meet the eligibility criteria.
The ambition would be to eventually move the medical management of obesity to the community, ensuring there is adequate capacity, wrap around services to support patients, workforce and assured drug supply; there are currently constraints in each of these elements to allow for this transition of service. There is ongoing work to review our weight management services, to review the criteria for accessing therapies, to ensure we have evidence based step down pathways and that we are agile as a system to assess novel and emerging therapies.
7.3 Links between obesity and mental health
There is growing evidence of bi-directional associations between mental health and obesity. Research shows obese people have a 55% increased risk of developing depression over time, whereas depressed people have a 58% increased risk of becoming obese (source: Luppino Fs et al. Overweight, obesity and depression: a systematic review and meta-analysis of longitudinal story. Archives of General Psychiatry 2010;67(30:220-9). Studies also indicate that school-aged children with obesity experience a 63% higher chance of being teased and bullied which can trigger feelings of shame and lead to anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, poor body image and even suicide at young age. This can, in turn, affect children's life chances and opportunities, and ultimately lead to social and health inequalities (source: Caird J, Kavanagh J, Oliver K, Oliver S, O'Mara A, Stansfield C, Thomas J (2011) Childhood obesity and educational attainment: a systematic review. London: Evidence for Policy & Practice Information Centr (EPPI)-Centre, Social Science Research Unit, Institute of Education, University of London). Therefore, integrating mental health components into whole system approach to obesity should be considered.
8. Priorities and outcomes of Whole System Food Strategy (2024-2034)
To achieve the aspiration of the strategy we have set the following priorities:
Priority 1: Food justice
Outcomes: Improve access to nutritious and affordable food.
Priority 2: Food for wellbeing and preventing obesity
Outcome: Enabling communities to make healthier food choices to improve health outcomes (include town planning, school and workplace settings, community gardening and pantries cookery skills training and knowledge, public communication).
Priority 3: Food for healthy weight management
Outcome: Ensure appropriate weight management programmes are in place to support families and individuals to achieve a healthy weight.
Priority 4: Food inequalities and insecurity prevention
Outcome: Reducing food related inequalities with focus on families with young children, pregnant women, those with limited financial resources and those with a disability.
Priority 5: Food for the environment
Outcome: Enhance sustainability of the local food system, reduce climate change impact by reducing waste and Green House Gases (GHG) emission generated from the food system.
Priority 6: Food for a stronger economy
Outcome: Increase in procurement from local supplies across public and private sector, improve workforce health upskilling opportunities in the hospitality industry.
Priority 7: Food in all policies
Outcome: Developing policy-based interventions for granting fast food outlet licenses, junk food advertising, council owned land use to promote plant-based farming.
9. Actions for delivery
Priority 1- Food justice: improve access to nutritious and affordable food
Actions we will take | Outcome category | Owner |
---|---|---|
Map existing providers delivering school holiday provision and identify best practice. Convene a partnership workshop between the provider delivering holiday provision to help inform targeted approaches for the areas in Surrey most in need | Food access | Surrey Food Partnership |
Work with schools and stakeholders to explore the role of schools to tackle child poverty, linking with the school holiday food provision | Food access | Surrey County Council through Surrey Healthy Schools Approach |
Review of Twelve15 contract to ensure healthy food options are provided to schools | Food access | Surrey County Council through Surrey Healthy Schools Approach |
Ensure healthy food provision for people with restrictive eating or with sensory issues - sound/texture, autistic people and those with neurodevelopmental conditions are considered particularly in school settings and where appropriate make 'reasonable adjustments' to support - in line with the Equality Act. | Food access | Surrey County Council through Surrey Healthy Schools Approach |
Develop an evidence-based guidance on catering standards for employers (based on Eat Out Eat Well initiative) in Surrey and promote local businesses to sign up to | Food access | Public Health (Surrey County Council) |
Raise the importance of good food for older people and healthy aging through the relevant frailty/older people workstreams across the integrated care system, place-based partnerships, District and Boroughs and other community-based organising | Affordable food | Public health in collaboration with the NHS |
Strengthening opportunities for people across surrey access healthy affordable food through community growing and supporting local business initiative and sharing examples of best practice | Affordable food | Surrey County Council |
Undertake research to understand and inform the design of the initiatives to improve availability of healthy affordable and environmentally friendly food for the local community as well as workforce across the sector | Food access and affordable food | Surrey Food Partnership |
Priority 2 - Food wellbeing and preventing obesity: enabling communities to make healthier food choices to improve health outcomes
Actions we will take | Outcome category | Owner |
---|---|---|
Ongoing roll out of Eat Well Start Well in early setting, encouraging a minimum of 30% more of early years settings to sign up to the programme | Health outcomes | Public Health (Surrey County Council) |
Ongoing support with the implementation of Heathy School Standards as part of Surrey Healthy Schools Approach and sharing best practice. | Health outcomes | Public Health (Surrey County Council) |
Encourage more retailers and convenience stores to accept Healthy Start Vouchers | Health outcomes | Public Health (Surrey County Council) |
Expand schemes such as Brite Box which include a meal recipe kit with all ingredients provided to enable families prepare and eat a different balanced meal together each week | Health outcomes | Surrey Food Partnership |
Increase breastfeeding uptake through the implementation of the Surrey Breast Feeding Strategy (2023-2028) and increase number of Unicef baby-friendly cafes/ breastfeeding friendly environment | Health outcomes | Public Health (Surrey County Council) |
Production of culturally competent information for healthy eating - for example, based on South Asian diet, not English/Western diet | Health outcomes | Public Health (Surrey County Council) |
Embed National Standards for Health Care Food and Drink | Health outcomes | NHS partners |
Ensure healthy food are provided in care homes and residential settings commissioned by the Council | Health outcomes | Surrey County Council Adult Social Care |
Development of resource pack for Health and Social Care professionals on the latest evidence-base, where/how to signpost/refer patients | Training | Public Health (Surrey County Council) |
Development and delivery of Making Evey Contact County (MECC) Food and Health Programme for NHS, Social Care community pharmacies, community links workers, social prescribers. | Training | Public Health (Surrey County Council) |
Provision of food and health information resources for patients visiting GP Practice and hospital appointments | Health outcomes | NHS partners |
Scope development of food and health training for Primary Care workforce | Training | NHS partners |
Explore setting up a network of community-based Food Champions to encourage local communities to take part in social cooking and community growing activities. | Training | Surrey Food Partnership |
Strengthening the local evidence- base about the impact of food outlets selling food high in fat, salt and sugar on healthy eating behaviours and obesity rates through research, policy and intervention evaluation | Built environment | Surrey Food Partnership |
Maximising the role of environmental health officers to support local business to offer healthy food options and food safety training | Built environment | Surrey County Council, Districts and Boroughs |
Work with the local food providers, businesses and employers to increase access to water fountains | Built environment | Surrey Food Partnership |
Collaborative working with District and Boroughs to encourage local business and employers to sign up to the Workplace Charter Standards (see Priority 5 Food for economy) | Built environment | Surrey Food Partnership |
Enhance public involvement in co-developing food related community actions through organising a series of Food for Health Road Shows in partnership with VCFS organisations across Surrey | Built environment | Public Health (Surrey County Council) |
Facilitate access to healthy cookery and food growing skills and training inclusive and tailored for communise from different cultural backgrounds | Training | Surrey Food Partnership |
Increase the number of Sugar Smart Campaigns across Surrey | Public communication | Public Health (Surrey County Council) |
Scale up the public communication to raise awareness about the potential impact of ultra processed food on health across the life course according to the latest evidence-base | Public communication | Public Health (Surrey County Council) |
Develop food and health plan for Looked After Children (LAC) | Health outcomes | LAC Team, Surrey County Council |
Priority 3: Food for healthy weight management
Actions we will take | Outcome category | Owner |
---|---|---|
Complete a review of the current weight management service to optimise a pathway across primary, secondary and tertiary prevention of obesity to reflect both clinical and individual support for both adults and children. Also to endure there is a seamless pathway in place to support a smooth transition from children to adults services. | Health outcomes | Public Health (Surrey County Council), Surrey Heartlands |
Allocate resource to commission weight management provision for children at the 96th centile and above | Health outcomes | Surrey Heartlands |
Continue the delivery of The National Child Measurement Programme (NCMP) and integration with child weight management services | Health outcomes | Public Health (Surrey County Council) |
Engage with private nurseries and schools and academies (particularly in Surrey key neighbourhood areas) to ensure they are meeting the same level of standards for nutrition, physical activity time and support for maintaining a healthy weight | Health outcomes | Public Health (Surrey County Council) |
Improve the interface between Children's Health and Children's Social Care to support those children at highest risk, where parental neglect and lack of engagement in intervention is a continued cause of obesity | Health outcomes | Surrey County Council |
Develop obesity prevention action plan for 13 to 17 year olds, based on University of Surrey research | Health outcomes | Public Health (Surrey County Council) |
Work with our partners who are offering support to adults with adverse childhood experiences to develop an integrated approach to include weight management support and advice | Health outcomes | Public Health (Surrey County Council), Surrey Heartlands |
Allocate resource to commission a multidisciplinary specialist weight management service (which include psychological support) for complex individuals with a BMI of 30 and above who do not want to be treated by the new obesity medications and respond to emotional and addictive behaviours related to weight. To undertake demand modelling to understand the need and commission an effective service to fill this gap | Health outcomes | Surrey Heartlands |
Work collaboratively to incorporate new and emerging therapies into pathways and services | Health outcomes | Surrey Heartlands |
Ensure that access to novel weight loss medication is available to those most in need equitably across Surrey Heartlands | Health outcomes | Surrey Heartlands |
Improve the accessibility of lifestyle services including physical activity across the life course to support children maintain a healthy weight, particularly targeting these living in Surrey key neighbourhood areas | Health outcomes | Public Health (Surrey County Council), Surrey Heartlands |
Pilot and evaluate different models of delivering Tier 2 weight management service to add to evidence base and improve service effectiveness and quality | Health outcomes | Public Health (Surrey County Council) |
Increase uptake of Health Checks for people within high-risk groups including those with Severe Mental Illness and learning difficulties | Health outcomes | Public Health (Surrey County Council) |
Ensure healthy food available in workplace, including healthy options for shift workers | Health outcomes | Surrey Heartlands/Surrey County Council |
Review obesity pathway for people with mental health disorders/vulnerable people to ensure equitable access to wellbeing support | Health outcomes | Surrey Heartlands/Surrey County Council and NHS partners |
Include mental health components in obesity training for professionals | Health outcomes | Public Health (Surrey County Council) and NHS partners |
Priority 4 - Food inequalities and insecurity prevention: reducing food related inequalities with focus on families with young children, pregnant women, those with limited financial resources and those with a disability
Actions we will take | Outcome category | Owner |
---|---|---|
Effective coordination and communications between community food support agencies, supermarkets, local food businesses to meet food demand and supply | Health inequalities | Surrey County Council, Districts ad Boroughs |
Increase accessibility to healthy and nutritious food for people with a disability, those from ethnic minority backgrounds, older people, families with young children via food banks and community fridges | Health inequalities | Surrey County Council, Districts ad Boroughs |
Increase uptake of food offered via foodbanks and community fridges by making the offer more culturally diverse | Health inequalities | Community food providers |
Review the provision of food in settings housing asylum seekers and migrants to ensure healthy options and cooking facilities are available for those particularly with young children | Health inequalities | Surrey County Council, Districts ad Boroughs |
Reduce stigma, build sustainability and reduce reliance on food banks by encouraging Districts and Boroughs to promote the use of innovative solution to deliver community food growing using allotments, development of more pantries, social eating activities | Health inequalities | Surrey County Council, Districts ad Boroughs |
Undertake research to assess and report on food insecurity to identify households most affected | Health inequalities | Surrey Food Partnership |
Undertake research to better understand the impact of food insecurity on older people, young children and those with a disability | Health inequalities | Surrey Food Partnership |
Work with partners to implement more preventive approaches to avoid people getting into crisis. This will be based on the findings of local research on the root cause and impact of food insecurity | Health inequalities | Surrey Food Partnership |
Priority 5 - Food for the environment: enhance sustainability of the local food system, reduce climate change impact by reducing waste and GHGs emission generated from the food system
Actions we will take | Outcome category | Owner |
---|---|---|
Develop training programme to support people across all ages to set-up food growing projects | Food system sustainability | Surrey County Council (and also through Eco schools and Surrey Healthy Schools Approach) |
Work with academic partners form the University of Surrey to further evaluate of the role of land management in reducing carbon emissions | Climate change (research) | Surrey County Council (Environment, Infrastructure and Growth (ETI) and Public Health) |
Establish a target for the procurement of local organic and/or fruit and vegetables to be used on Council-owned and run sites | Climate change | Surrey County Council (ETI) |
Explore introducing marketing opportunities for low volume, high value cuts as well as the high volume, low value markets of venison meet as an alternative for the mince | Climate change | Surrey County Council (ETI) |
Create guidelines for local authority procurement of food to be sustainable and sourced from local producers by default based on Government Buying Standard for food and catering services | Food system sustainability | Surrey County Council (ETI and Public Health) |
Identify potential policies to support the development of urban agriculture sites and organic farming practices. The policies will shorten supply chains, reduce GHG emission and increase community cohesion | Climate change | Surrey County Council (ETI) |
Encourage provision of space for community gardens in new developments, and protect existing allotment sites | Climate change | Surrey County Council (ETI) |
Integrate support for agroecological farms and local supply chains into local development plans and new development site plans | Climate change | Surrey County Council (ETI) |
Facilitate the planting of new (fruit/nut) trees in Surrey to meet the council's pledge of 1.2m new trees county-wide by 2030. This will increase the drawdown of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere whilst improving air quality | Climate change | Surrey County Council (ETI) |
Develop guidance for land managers on the use of land for carbon sequestration in conjunction with partners such as Surrey Wildlife Trust (SWT), Fsc and the Forestry Commissions, including the use of hedgerows which can achieve wider air quality benefits | Climate change | Surrey County Council (ETI) |
Ensure school meals are healthy and sustainable, using the Soil Association's gold award as a guide | Food system sustainability | Surrey County Council (ETI and Public Health and through Surrey Healthy Schools Approach |
Work with national government to promote a shift towards lower meat and dairy consumption, to achieve the net zero target | Climate change | Surrey County Council (ETI) |
Use our public-facing platforms to share information on low-carbon dietary choices | Climate change | Surrey County Council (ETI) |
Reduce food waste | Climate change | Surrey County Council (ETI and through eco- schools) |
Priority 6 - Food for a stronger economy: increase in procurement from local supplies across public and private sector, improve workforce health upskilling opportunities in the hospitality industry
Actions we will take | Outcome category | Owner |
---|---|---|
Enables collaboration between local business and food providers (including the industry) through forums to bring best practice and findings from local initiatives to inform future initiation of eating healthier retail environment | Workforce health | Surrey Food Partnership |
Develop a Workplace Charter Standards aligned with Government Buying Standard for food and catering services to enable employers to actively encourage their employees to eat more healthier | Workforce health | Surrey County Council (Public Health) |
Ensure local food producers are prioritised in the food procurement contracts to ensure their presence become more integrated in the local food system | Procurement | Surrey Food Partnership |
Support farmers and ensure they have access to the relevant funding schemes to ensure their economic returns as they switch to more suitable plant -based food production | Procurement | Surrey Food Partnership |
Identify Healthy Chef champions to deliver regular healthy cooking skills to peers and staff across hospitality sector | Upskilling hospitality | Surrey County Council (Public Health) |
Priority 7 - Food in all policies: developing policy-based interventions for granting fast food outlet licenses, junk food advertising, council owned land use to promote plant-based farming
Actions we will take | Outcome category | Owner |
---|---|---|
Bring internal and external partners, including the University of Surrey, together to share best practice on how to develop and implement healthy food policies across the public sector | Advertising | Surrey County Council, Districts ad Boroughs & Surrey Food Partnership Board |
Make representations to the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) for increased controls in national policy for advertising food high in fat, salt and sugar | Healthy places | Surrey County Council, Districts and Boroughs |
Encourage business owner of food shops within 500 meters walking distance of a primary and secondary school to reduce selling food high in fat, salt and sugar | Healthy places | Surrey County Council, Districts and Boroughs |
Restrict fast-food takeaway selling food high in fat, salt and sugar within 500 meters of a primary or a secondary school opening hours during term before and after school finishes | Healthy places | Surrey County Council, Districts and Boroughs |
Develop a policy to restrict the number of licenses given to the opening of new food outlets selling food high in fat, salt and sugar as part of town planning | Healthy places | Surrey County Council, Districts and Boroughs |
Development and implementation of land management policy to embed nature-based solutions, community action and new technology alongside financial sustainability into land management and decision-making. It will be more resilient to climate change, be net zero and have a strong local community with growing biodiversity | Sustainable farming | Surrey County Council (ETI) |