| The Welsh Food Debate - have your say |
|
|
|
|
David Smith, Policy Adviser, Welsh Food Alliance, represents WCVA's Health and Social Care Network on the FSA Food and Wellbeing Monitoring and Implementation Working Party. Food is critical for the health and wellbeing of everyone. In Wales we have 'strategies' for most aspects affecting the way we live. The Welsh Assembly Government has published a 'Food Quality Strategy' - does it make connections? See www.wales.gov.uk/improvehealth . Food is an important, yet a neglected aspect of social justice and quality public service delivery. Go beyond the questions posed. A 'Welsh Food Debate' has been launched and views are sought to influence a future 'Action Plan'. * Is an independent monitoring body essential to ensure progress and delivery? Can we separate out the responsibilities for implementation and monitoring? * As a carer, do you have concerns about inedible food; lack of assistance with nutrition and fluids in hospitals, nursing and residential homes; or around food and medication? * Are adequate food provisions in place for those in the community who have just been discharged from hospital? * Producer and agriculture interests are dominant and climate change is not mentioned. How do we change public subsidies to support local healthier food production? * Do we need two Food Specialist Inspectors at Estyn, when currently they employ none? Will we invest more in primary school food teacher training? Will P.E. solve obesity? * Shall we fund 'Healthy eating schemes' or free school meals for children living in low-income families not in receipt of Working Families Tax Credit? * Do we need a Toronto style 'Food Policy Council' in Wales? This brings people from different organisations together in a forum for discussing and "integrating food and health policy issues that often fall between the different bodies, at the municipal, provincial and federal level". http://www.toronto.ca/health/tfpc_index.htm To support public engagement an informal workshop takes place: Friday 7th December 2007, 2 - 4 pm, Meeting Rooms 1-3 Suite, 1st Floor, The Open University in Wales, 18 Custom House Street, Cardiff CF10 1AP. Reserve a place at www.welshfoodalliance.co.uk or on (01633) 266781. Although not requested, you could also comment on the FSA interim review of the 'Food and Wellbeing strategy'. See www.welshfoodalliance.co.uk - publication is expected in the next few days. Check if your local Health Board is one of the fifteen with a nutrition strategy and if this includes your concerns. When responding, please indicate how many people have been consulted, if you live in a rural area and please copy your response to: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it November 6th 2007 |