Our Health Improvement Team support local organisations to address health and economic food issues, particularly with staff who work with vulnerable individuals and families. Our approach has a strong emphasis on engagement and a focus on sustainability. Enabling organisations to be the catalyst and lead in their own communities to use food activities as a mechanism or vehicle to promote positive changes in health.
Areas of work include:
- Developing resources and toolkits -To support delivery of national nutrition messages at a local level.
- Training – For staff and volunteers within NHS, local authority and 3rd sector organisations.
- Funding – Providing opportunities for organisations to host their own food activities.
- Campaigns – Raise awareness of key nutrition messages through a variety of marketing and social media strategies.
Current programmes include: Mini Steps, Make and Taste, Cooking Skills, Food Waste and Budgeting.
Inequalities – Resources and Toolkits
Everyone needs to eat and food activities can be a non threatening vehicle for engaging with people and can help address a range of issues not only health related. For example building self confidence, help with budgeting and social interaction. A range of resources and toolkits have been developed to empower staff to deliver basic food messages and interactive activities. For more information visit
Community Food Activity Grants 2018-2019 – Still Available!
Our Health Improvement team are pleased to open this years small grant scheme. Grants of up to £200 are available for short term pieces of work and £400 for larger projects.
Closing Date : 25th February 2019.
These grants are to support local food activities and initiatives across Forth Valley.
Community Food Development
Community Food Development Workers (CFDW’s) are part of NHS Forth Valley’s Nutrition and Dietetic Health Improvement Team. We work in partnership with NHS Forth Valley Oral Health Team and partners in local authorities and third sector organisations. Community Food Development Workers role significantly contributes to supporting food activity with local organisations, building capacity using existing and developing community assets. Our team of Community Food Development Workers are expert in creating strong partnerships with 3rd sector organisations empowering communities to be active in food initiatives that that are right for them and their community. For example rather than Community Food Development Workers delivering an activity, organisations are empowered to run their own food activities.
Find out more about the role of Community Food Development Workers
Food Poverty
Food poverty in the UK has been increasing over recent times. Due to a number of factors such as rising food prices and financial restraints, some families are finding it difficult to afford a healthy, well balanced diet. According to The Trussell Trust 13 million people live below the poverty line in the UK. The Trussell Trust have launched over 420 foodbanks throughout the UK and can provide a minimum of three days emergency food and support to people experiencing crisis in the UK. Food bank availability varies across the country, your GP, social worker or Citizens Advice Bureau, who may have more infomation on the referral process.
- Find out more about Foodbanks in the UK.
- Find your nearset Foodbank.
- Find out more about Forth Valley Foodbanks.