The Hull Food Partnership has launched a Food Charter for the city at an event will be held at the KCOM Craven Park.
Designed to address inequalities surrounding food, the charter focuses on encouraging local businesses and organisations to work together to provide better access to good, affordable produce, boost cooking skills and support local food production.
The partnership was formed in October 2017 and is part of the nationwide Sustainable Food Cities Network. Hull is one of more than 50 cities across the UK carrying out similar work. The partnership has involved and consulted with voluntary sector organisations, businesses and the local authority whilst drawing up of the charter. It is designed to inspire action, policy change and lead to closer partnership work.
Hilary Hamer, Chair of the Hull Food Partnership said:
“The Hull Food Charter is a framework setting out a plan for a better food system in Hull that works to nourish everyone in and connected to the city.
“We have found immense support and enthusiasm from all sectors and look forward to working in partnership for the continuing health of our population and environment. The Launch of the Food Charter is just the start. There is much to do and we have some knowledge of the challenges we face. Now we are ready to get to work. Today is the moment”.
The eight objectives of the Food Charter are:
1. A Better Food Culture
2. Increase Food Knowledge and Skills
3. Promote Healthy Food
4. Work towards Food Equality
5. Encourage a Sustainable Food Economy
6. Develop Sustainable Supply Chains
7. Increase Food Production
8. Reduce Ecological Impact
The Hull Food Partnership is asking organisations, businesses and individuals to sign up to the Food Charter by signing up and pledge to take action towards growing a healthy and resilient food culture for Hull through their webpage www.hullfoodpartnership.org.uk.
Hull City Council’s public health team is highly supportive of the project and it has been integrated into the City Plan – Hull’s long term programme of economic growth and development.
Julia Weldon, Director of Public Health at Hull City Council said:
“This project has the potential to revolutionise access to good quality affordable food in the city and, in the long-term, could play a role in addressing health inequalities.
“Public Health colleagues are focussed on driving this forward within the council and ensuring we’re doing all we can as a local authority to put the charter into practise and lead by example. We’ll be looking at how we operate and where we can do more”.
