Cumberland Council Wins Prestigious Award for Food Accessibility

Cumberland Council has received high acclaim for its tireless efforts in improving access to affordable, healthy, and sustainable food, being honored with the Excellence award in the Good Food Local Awards for the North East and North Cumbria.

A Recognition of Leadership

The council not only claimed the award but also ranked highest for leadership among the 13 participating councils, marking a significant achievement. Colin Cox, the council's Director of Public Health, Customer and Community Wellbeing, emphasized that this recognition showcases the notable progress made in enhancing food accessibility in the region.

Impressive Progress from Food Cumberland

Launched in 2024, the Food Cumberland programme has shown remarkable growth, increasing its overall score in the Good Food Local framework from 67% to 86%. Furthermore, the council made significant strides in addressing food poverty, with scores rising from 58% to 79%. This impressive performance reflects a strong commitment to public health and community well-being.

Concrete Achievements in Food Accessibility

Key achievements of the council include the expansion of affordable food hubs, which increased from 16 to 21, with plans for an additional three hubs to open this year. Moreover, the council's support of 10 schools in integrating healthy eating practices highlights its dedication to fostering a nutritious environment for children, aligning with the government's School Food Standards.

This recognition and the progress made by the Cumberland Council serve as a compelling example for other regions looking to enhance food accessibility and promote health within their communities.