Local groups funded to promote healthy eating

24 Oct 2017 03:41 PM

Forty two voluntary and community groups have this week been allocated funding by Community Food and Health Scotland (CFHS), to promote and deliver healthy eating initiatives.

Food and diet play a major role in health and wellbeing, but not everyone can access good food. People on low incomes and those living in poorer areas have less opportunity to eat a healthy diet and are more likely to experience poor health as a result.  One reason for this is that there might not be affordable healthy food options available where they live. CFHS, part of NHS Health Scotland, aims to ensure that everyone in Scotland has the opportunity, ability and confidence to access a healthy and acceptable diet for themselves, their families and their communities. This funding helps to make that happen. 

Each of the groups has been allocated between £500 and £2000. Working in low-income communities across Scotland, they will use the funding to develop a range of practical healthy eating initiatives, including; cookery courses, community gardens and community café projects.

Bill Gray, lead officer at Community Food and Health (Scotland) in NHS Health Scotland, said:

“We know that health inequalities hold Scotland back. We also know that the people who live, work and play in a community are best placed to develop solutions that address them. That is why alongside national actions to reduce health inequalities, we have funded community groups across Scotland to use the skills and knowledge of local people, and work together to address barriers to accessing healthy food. As well as developing home grown solutions, funding these local groups helps to build community cohesion and pride, because they bring people together to share ideas and learn about healthy eating. We are delighted to be able to support such a large number of groups across the country so that together, nationally, and locally, we can tackle health inequalities and improve health for all.”

You can find more information on the Development Fund and on Community Food and Health Scotland (CFHS) on the CFHS website.

Go to the Community Food and Health website 

For any enquiries please contact the Communications and Engagement team on 07500 854574 or email nhs.HealthScotland-Communications@nhs.net.