Boost to improve school and hospital meals

Brighton & Hove has been named one of 5 places in England chosen for a major new government pilot scheme to improve the food served in schools, hospitals and other public services.

We will receive £155,000 to shake up how food is bought, with the aim of getting healthier, fresher and more locally grown environmentally friendly meals onto people’s plates. 

The funding also aims to open the door for more small local food businesses to supply the public sector.

Raising the standard of meals

The government says the scheme will help local areas learn from each other and raise the standard of meals across England.

The money forms part of a national push to improve what millions of children, patients and public sector workers eat each day, with the government highlighting the huge buying power of public bodies and the chance to support local farmers and food producers.

Brighton & Hove already holds a Gold Sustainable Food Places award, recognising long-term work to improve the city’s food system, something the government highlighted as part of the reason for choosing the city for the pilot. 

Strong, collaborative approach

This achievement reflects the pioneering work and innovation of Brighton & Hove Food Partnership, which has led a strong, collaborative approach to improving food across the city, a model the government expects participating areas to build on through close partnership working.

Councillor Mitchie Alexander, Cabinet Member for Communities, Equalities, Public Health and Adult Social Care, said: “We’re genuinely so excited about the announcement. It means the food served to children in our schools, patients in our hospitals and people working across our city can be healthier, fresher, more local and kinder to the planet. 

“It will give more opportunities for small local growers and producers to ensure we have better and healthier food choices available for our residents in the future.”

A vote of confidence

Councillor Alexander added: “Being chosen for this pilot feels like a vote of confidence in the way our city tries to do things differently, and we’re really thrilled to have the opportunity now to get going on something that we feel passionate about. 

“Everyone eats and everyone deserves to be able to access healthy, local food choices.”