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...to Word Up Design, A Print, our skilled volunteers who wrote and distributed this edition, and all who responded, or helped with our food survey. |
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Nutrition Network for Wales |
Networks are a getting together of people already involved. The secret of changing behaviour patterns, which is described as necessary, during the development of 'Food and Wellbeing Strategy', will be to involve people who feel they have no need to be involved. It is in this way that dietary habits will change, and effectively contribute towards governments health gain targets.
How network members will influence policy making and resource allocation at local and national levels, is a crucial question, when they comprise officials, community, voluntary sector, health workers and others, with different roles and responsibilities. They will need to establish a lobbying role, and a more participative approach to policy making. How will this strengthen public engagement that is required?
A real Public Health Congress, as we have long advocated, with free and easy access, allowing more people to exchange views and information could be a method for influencing the changes we all agree are required. This includes action by national and local government, but also food retailers, caterers, teachers, school governors, consumers and others. This will bring about long lasting change. |
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In Wales, when reviewing the Assembly Sustainable Development Scheme, a key issue is not local procurement, but improved nutritional quality for pupils and patients. For example, we urge top priority be given to replacing school menu 'food groups' which imprecisely specify food required, with nutrient standards. This is the single most important action that only government can take.
This common sense approach is being implemented in Scotland, where action is being taken to improve the quality and uptake of school food. Despite industry 'grumbling', a key change has been the introduction of nutrient standards based upon Caroline Walker Trust standards. No legislation was required, or local procurement policy. It is a central policy decision affecting every pupil, backed up by resources to guarantee improved food quality.
Planning in Scotland, of healthy school meals, is now based upon common nutrient standards. This drives the purchase specification, when ordering food. Staff across 32 Scottish local authorities are being trained to use new computer software, and new school menus will be in place in Primary Schools by December 2004, and Secondary by December 2006. In time pupils may be able to use this software for educational purposes. |
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Health Select Committee?s Report on Obesity |
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We welcome the recommendations, and this amplifies what we have been saying for the last five years. We look forward to action. |
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Third Youth Food Assembly |
The aim of the third National Youth Food Assembly, to be held at the National Assembly for Wales, on 7th July 2004, will be to find out what action pupils have taken to improve the uptake of healthy food and drink in their schools, and to make practical recommendations to the Welsh Assembly ?Health Challenge Wales? project.
Pupils will be welcomed by Lord Elis - Thomas AM, Presiding Officer, National Assembly for Wales. Jane Hutt, AM Health and Social Services Minister will introduce Health Challenge Wales. Pupils will demonstrate 'How we have made a difference'. The judging panel will be supported by pupil peer evaluation, in deciding the overall winning school. This is supported by the Co-operative Group Ltd. Details: WFA Chairperson (01633) 663114, or email j.sullivan |
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In May 2004, the Parliamentary Children's Food Bill was launched. The aim is to improve children's health and prevent food-related ill health, and to protect children from the advertising promotion of unhealthy food. Whilst supportive, some key issues require action in Wales.
Food eaten at school is an influence on pupils' diet. What pupils eat becomes habit. How do we make certain pupils have the food and nutrition required for a future healthy life? Emulating Scottish experience could be a good use of public money, if it has the intended effect. How much is government prepared to spend to reduce obesity, and give children a good start in life?
Recognising the limitations of short-term community projects, WFA has consistently proposed collective solutions, through improved public services. Improving school meals impacts every day upon the long-term health of up to 22,000 pupils, over 190 days a year, in areas as diverse as Caerphilly and Carmarthenshire. |
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A survey of WFA achievements over the past five years can be found at our web address, or send a stamped addressed envelope to Hilda Smith, 216 Stow Hill, Newport, NP20 4HA. WFA is a non-profit making voluntary organisation. It brings together expertise, and consumer involvement in all aspects of food policy. We aim to provide a new perspective based on informed public participation. Write for details to Secretary, 13 Cefn Coch, Radyr, Cardiff, CF15 8BJ. Email:
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
www.welshfoodalliance.org.uk |
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Older People?s Food Meetings |
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Our survey and recommendations will be presented on July 7th July 2004, at a meeting with older people?s organisations, civil servants, retail food, local government, caterers, and Local Health Boards. Dr Neil Wooding, Equal Opportunities Commissioner for Wales has agreed to facilitate the session. To book a place at a further public meeting on 2nd September, 2004, 10.30am - 12.30pm, 216 Stow Hill, Newport, NP20 4HA, contact Hilda Smith (01633) 266781, or email hilda |
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