Cumberland Council Shines Bright with Outstanding Food Access Initiative

In a notable achievement, Cumberland Council has been honored with the Excellence award in the Good Food Local Awards, showcasing its commitment to enhancing access to affordable, healthy, and sustainable food. This recognition places the council at the forefront, ranking it highest for leadership among 13 participating councils in the North East and North Cumbria.

Significant Progress in Food Accessibility

Colin Cox, the council's Director of Public Health, Customer and Community Wellbeing, emphasized the significance of this award, stating, "This award recognises the remarkable progress we have made in improving access to affordable, healthy, and sustainable food." He attributed this success to effective partnerships with local communities and organizations, demonstrating the power of collaborative efforts in addressing public health challenges.

Food Cumberland Programme Achieves Milestones

Launched in 2024, the Food Cumberland programme has seen impressive advancements, increasing its score in the Good Food Local framework from 67 percent to a remarkable 86 percent. Furthermore, the council's efforts to combat food poverty also saw a substantial rise, with scores improving from 58 percent to 79 percent. These statistics highlight a dedicated approach to enhancing the food landscape in the region.

Expanding Food Hubs and School Initiatives

Key achievements in this initiative include a notable increase in the number of affordable food hubs, which have grown from 16 to 21, with three more set to launch later this year. Additionally, the council has provided support to ten schools in integrating healthy eating practices into their policies, aligning with the government's School Food Standards. This comprehensive strategy reflects a proactive stance towards nurturing healthier futures for the community.