What’s Happening
Our network of initiatives
Healthy Start Scheme: Sustain’s key takeaways from House of Commons debate
MPs from across the political spectrum highlighted the necessity of the scheme to support vulnerable families in the UK and urged the government to take steps to maximise its reach and impact.
Veg sales have fallen to its lowest level in 50 years
The amount of vegetables bought by households in the UK has fallen to its lowest level in 50 years. This highlights the impact the cost of living crisis is having on low-income families who are struggling to afford healthier options.
Share your experiences supporting families with No Recourse to Public Funds to access food
Calling all local food and health organisations and professionals: please share your experiences supporting families on low incomes with no recourse to public funds to access healthy food, including the Healthy Start Scheme. Survey deadline 13 October.
Growing fruit and veg at home is good for health, sustainability, and resilience
Researchers at Sheffield University have demonstrated that people who grow fruit and vegetables at home eat more fruit and veg and reduce food waste.
The value of veg in Eastbourne
A new report, 'The Value of Veg in Eastbourne: Recommendations from Eastbourne communities for better food futures' has been published by Eastbourne Food Partnership, and made it all the way to their local MP.
Leeds Little Veg Library event celebrates climate action and community connection
The Little Veg Library network shows how small community food hubs can have a huge impact on inspiring, connecting and empowering people to take climate action.
US Act to increase fruit and veg consumption among low-income families
The Act would scale up funding to $3.5 billion over the five years of the 2023 Farm Bill and authorize $100 million of discretionary funding annually for state and local government.
Families miss out on an estimated £68 million in free food as Gov miss Healthy Start target
Sustain calculates that over 200,000 low-income families with young children and pregnant women are losing out on Healthy Start payments toward free fruit, veg, milk and vitamins in 2023 with 1/3 of all eligible households not signed up. Regional analysis shows that the LAs with the biggest losses are Birmingham (£1.9m), Manchester (£1m) and Leeds (£1m). The greater London region missed out on almost £12 million in missed benefits. The North West lost £9.3m and South East £8m.
Latest Healthy Eating Toolkit launched by FoodWise Leeds
FoodWise Leeds launch another brilliant toolkit for the local Healthy Holidays Plus programme.
Hull launches revamped handbook for growers
Hull Food Partnership have launched an updated Growers' Handbook at a packed-out event for their local community.
