Local charity Forth Environment Link (FEL) is set to launch a study seeking sustainable and dignified solutions to food insecurity in Forth Valley.

The research project, in partnership with NHS Forth Valley, aims to tackle food poverty, diet related ill-health and access to affordable healthy food by bringing people and organisations together to devise and develop long term actions that that improve the local food system.

FEL’s Development Manager Emily Harvey said: “We’re looking to get a better understanding of the issues and challenges facing our local food system. We want to hear from organisations involved in food projects, as well as community groups, businesses and individuals with an interest in tackling food poverty and in making our food systems fairer and more sustainable.

“This research is incredibly important as it will help us to plan and work together on improving access to food in our region so that it is fair for all and as climate friendly as possible. We’ll also be looking at how we can make our food system more resilient in times of crisis. Covid-19 has thrown food inequalities into sharp focus.”

Dr Rhonda Archibald, NHS Forth Valley Health Improvement (Nutrition) lead added: “It has been inspiring to see the relentless efforts of communities and partners, particularly throughout the pandemic, in helping local people access nourishing food in coordinated, and very considerate, ways.

“The work will help to inform the collective next steps in supporting dignified and sustainable access to local, affordable, good quality, nutritious food.

“We look forward to supporting this as part of our refreshed Health Improvement strategy “A Resilient Forth Valley”.

Online Sessions

Forth Environment Link will be hosting three online sessions as part of the research:

• Falkirk Good Food Conversation, 2nd June 2021, 3pm-5pm. Book here.
• Stirling Good Food Conversation, 3rd June 2021, 10am-12pm. Book here.
• Clackmannanshire Good Food Conversation, 10th June 2021, 2pm-4pm. Book here.

The outcomes of the study will be presented online at Forth Valley Food Summit on 16th June, with the chance for communities and organisations from across Forth Valley to come together to discuss ways to improve the local food system. Book here.