The Food Plan sets out a collective vision for a sustainable and fair food environment where good food is grown, accessible and promoted for our residents to have healthy, nutritious, affordable and appealing food choices.
Councillor Gary Flint, portfolio holder for culture, health and wellbeing at Walsall Council, said: “Walsall is proud to be a borough that is rich in diversity and we continue to work collectively to ensure that it is a place that our residents are proud to live, work and study in.
“Good food is essential for good health and contributes to social and economic wellbeing, cultural expression, community building and social connection. We acknowledge there are challenges both locally and nationally, making this Food Plan both timely and important. By working together, we can achieve our collective vision.”
In the spirit of the Food Plan, a vegetarian lunch was prepared by Walsall College students using locally sourced ingredients to reduce food miles and minimise waste and surplus. Attendees made pledges on what they can do to contribute to achieving the vision of the plan.
Adam Carter, senior programme manager for Food for Life at Soil Association, added: “The Food Plan is really important for Walsall. We've been working with Walsall since 2017 and we know that there is good food work taking place across the borough.
“However, this plan enables clear coordination of local efforts and helps partners from across the food system achieve the same goal; the goal of more equitable access to good food for all in Walsall.”