Agenda item

B&NES Fair Food Alliance has been in operation since March 2020 and this report reflects on the achievements of the alliance since its last report to PDS (May 2021) and, following a review of progress and consultation with stakeholders, presents its refreshed priorities and action plan for the period 2022 – 2025.

The Public Health Development & Commissioning Manager introduced this report to the Panel and asked for their feedback on the proposals.

Councillor Liz Hardman wished to congratulate the B&NES officers who with the Fair Food Alliance group, have put in place a structure to drive the strategic direction and coordination of food insecurity work locally. She asked as the B&NES Fair Food Alliance does not have an operational budget, would this hinder its future work especially in developing income maximisation.

The Public Health Development & Commissioning Manager replied that the Co-ordination role carried out by the Health Improvement Officer gives us significant benefit and has been crucial to the success of the work. She added that the Co-ordination role was secure until July 2024 and additional funding would need to be found to secure this role longer term.

The Chair asked if it was sustainable for this work to rely on public support.

The Public Health Development & Commissioning Manager replied that the support received through the Voluntary Sector is fantastic, but that there is a need for solutions to become more sustainable through, for example, provision of better paid jobs or available healthy products at affordable prices. She also added that we need to ensure that our local services are accessible and dignified and support the voluntary sector in their response.

The Chair asked how would a member of the public approach a Food Bank if they needed to.

The Public Health Development & Commissioning Manager replied that people need to get a referral to a food bank before they can use it. Referrals can be made from, eg, a Health Visitor or Children’s Centre.

Kevin Burnett asked for any further comment on the Poverty Proofing Schools

Audit.

The Health Improvement Officer replied that the Audit is being piloted through 10 schools in B&NES and that the plan is to then to give all schools access to it to help them to recognise where students may need support.

Kevin Burnett asked if Free School Meals (FSM) was the only measure available to use.

The Public Health Development & Commissioning Manager replied that receipt of FSM would identify those on a low income, but that the Audit tool would seek to show schools how they can identify those in need and to work with other agencies where necessary.

Kevin Burnett asked if they have worked with SACRE on any projects.

The Public Health Development & Commissioning Manager replied that SACRE are part of the Fair Food Alliance, but that they have not been that active currently.

Councillor Rob Appleyard said that there was much to commend about the work that has taken place so far and that the Council needs to provide support to enable it to carry on.

Councillor Joanna Wright asked how residents can be helped to identify the support they are able to receive.

The Public Health Development & Commissioning Manager replied that Citizen’s Advice will have a role to play in this process as there will be families that are not able to manage despite being in receipt of benefits. She added that effective lobbying of Government was also needed to be carried out.

Councillor Andrew Wait commented that in his role as Chair of Keynsham Town Council he was aware that the Food Club had approached the Town Council with regard to seeking some funding. He asked if this work was linked to the Fair Food Alliance.

The Public Health Development & Commissioning Manager replied that the Food Club had been set up independently to provide support to the local community by accessing excess food products from local supermarkets and Fare Share SW.

Councillor Wait asked if they would need to close if no funding was received.

The Public Health Development & Commissioning Manager replied that they do receive income through membership, £3.50 per week per family (around 50 families in each club) and funding through other bodies. She added that the Council do not provide them with any funding.

Councillor Ruth Malloy asked if the Council were able to identify any places that should have additional provision put in place and would they be able source a building if required.

The Public Health Development & Commissioning Manager replied that this would require discussions with departments such as Property Services.

The Panel RESOLVED to;

i)  Note the progress since the last report (May 2021) and endorse the new Food Equity Action Plan 2022 – 2025 and future priorities for the B&NES Fair Food Alliance.

ii)  Support the ambitions of the B&NES Fair Food Alliance by considering ways in which other Council and partnership strategy and policy can help to increase income equality and food security locally.