During the summer 150 stakeholders including GCDA, Good Food in Greenwich and Good Food Lewisham and thousands of Londoners gave their feedback on the plan to ensure the final strategy is robust, ambitious and inclusive to reflect the food needs of all.
The strategy has taken 18 months and is now available to view.
Claire Pritchard, Chair of London Food Board and CEO of GCDA says: “The Mayor, London Food Board and I are delighted to announce the launch of the London Food Strategy today, the first Mayoral strategy for food in London since 2006. It puts good food at the heart of London’s approach to some of the biggest issues we face, including child obesity, food insecurity and climate change. That’s because we know that good food can help improve health and wellbeing, provide rewarding job and skills opportunities, build stronger communities and help protect the environment. The strategy aims to help all Londoners access healthy, affordable and sustainable food – regardless of their background or circumstances.”
The Food Strategy covers six main themes for good food:
- Home, and Reducing Food Insecurity
- Economy, Shopping and Eating Out
- Community Settings and Public Institutions
- Pregnancy and Childhood
- Growing, Community Gardening and Urban Farming
- Environment
The next step will be to look out how the strategy can be delivered through working with boroughs, businesses, the third sector and Londoners.
“We are delighted that the Mayor has recognised how strongly food links with his social fairness and economic equality agenda, and that the London Food Strategy mirrors London Food Link’s mission through its aim to ensure all Londoners have access to healthy, affordable and sustainable food. We look forward to being part of making this happen” Commented Sarah Williams, Sustain’s Programme Director and member of the London Food Board.