Health benefits from food reform
"We have ensured that residents’ voices are heard and acted upon, as well as enabling them to imagine what healthy eating might look like in their community.”
Food and health researchers at the University of Reading have highlighted the importance of community engagement in addressing food inequality
This is particularly among groups traditionally considered 'hard to reach.'
A recent study led by Professor Carol Wagstaff focused on the Whitley suburb of Reading, where local residents co-designed a fruit and vegetable voucher scheme paired with community centre based stalls.
The initiative has brought about positive changes in health and wellbeing outcomes, providing valuable insights into sustainable solutions for addressing food insecurity.
Professor Wagstaff emphasised that imposing solutions on disadvantaged communities rarely leads to lasting change. Instead, the research team worked closely with residents to ensure their voices were heard, enabling them to envision and create a healthier food environment within their own community.
“Affordability is by far the most common barrier to eating the recommended five-a-day,” Professor Wagstaff explained. “Through building community cohesion and collective action, we can work towards achieving long-term food and health equity.”
The study is part of a broader initiative by UKRI’s Transforming UK Food Systems Strategic Priorities Fund.
This initiative seeks to address the structural issues surrounding food access, including the intersection of socio-economic deprivation, housing, transport, and healthcare.
The University of Reading’s projects aim to reduce food inequality and improve health outcomes by taking a holistic approach that includes both individual and community-driven solutions.
The researchers stress the importance of multi-level collaboration, involving local communities, voluntary sector organisations, and public health authorities, to create sustainable and inclusive solutions.