Community Food Consultation - Falkirk Council Area

 

The work involved a baseline study of current activity, shopping patterns, resources and facilities, gaps and needs in relation to healthy eating in the Social Inclusion Partnership areas within the Falkirk Council boundary.   This was undertaken through desk research and a community consultation.    The consultation was based on:

Seven focus groups in the Community Regeneration areas aimed at local community and voluntary groups and neighbourhood workers
Questionnaire aimed at planners and managers of healthy eating projects and services
Interviews with key groups and individuals with a specific interest in community food healthy eating and/or community regeneration

Participants in the study were also invited to a half day event prior to submission of the final report to comment on the key messages and possible focuses for future work.  A newsletter was also prepared for all participants and interested agencies to provide direct feedback on the study.

The main purposes of the study were to:

Assist in the delivery of the Health Improvement Plan
Assist in shaping future programmes for possible community food development workers
Encourage collaborative, co-operative practices that value contributions from the voluntary and community sector

The work took cognisance of policy and programme developments both nationally and locally.   Nationally four themes were identified by the Scottish Executive for improving health in Scotland; early years; teenage transition; the workplace; and communities.   Healthy eating is one of seven special focus programmes.  To take this forward the Executive is keen to promote co-ordinated action, to improve communication and leadership in food and health policy in Scotland.  Locally the food nutrition and health improvement plans are taking this forward.

For more information please contact:

Fiona Craig or Alex Downie on 01324 489666

or

Morag Mackellar
Head of Nutrition & Dietetics
NHS Forth Valley, Stirling CHP
Euro House
Wellgreen Place
Stirling
FK8 2DJTel: 01786 431176
E-mail:  morag.mackellar@fvpc.scot.nhs.uk

Click here to see the Newsletter (in PDF format)