Redbridge becomes third London borough to sign declaration on sugar and healthy food

Redbridge Council has committed to take action across six key areas: advertising and sponsorship, improving food provided in settings controlled by the Council, delivering healthier public events, reducing prominence of sugary drinks and promoting free drinking water, and raising public awareness of the benefits of healthier eating.

Almost two in five 10-11 year olds in the borough are overweight or obese, with children living in the most deprived areas more likely to be obese than those in the wealthiest income group. Among adults, the prevalence of excess weight has increased to 66.7%, with Redbridge now ranked 3rd highest among the London boroughs. The percentage of residents eating the recommended ‘five a day’ (fruit and vegetables) is also lower than the London average. In addition, almost 1 in 4 (23.7%) five year olds in Redbridge have dental decay.

Signing the declaration will enable Redbridge Council to publically state the ambition to create a healthier food environment and outline actions they will take. Among other initiatives, the Council pledged to produce a sponsorship and advertising policy; work with the local sport and leisure provider to remove vending offering food and drink high in sugar, fat and salt; put in place a voluntary sugary drinks levy in council venues and encourage others to do the same; resist the proliferation and over concentration of hot food takeaways through planning policy; encourage businesses to accept healthy start vouchers; and encourage more catering businesses to sign up to the Healthier Catering Commitment.

For more details on the Local Government Declaration on Sugar Reduction and Healthier Food initiative visit: https://www.sustainweb.org/londonfoodlink/declaration/