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 spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
November 6th 2007
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