University thinks food

UNIVERSITY researchers areworking on a new project to make healthy food more accessible to poorer communities.

Professor CarolWagstaff at the University of Reading is leading a team of charities, industry experts and researchers to create newways to put healthy, sustainable food on everyone’s table.

“Many struggle, not because they lack aspiration or knowledge about food, but because of the real impact of financial or time poverty,” ProfessorWagstaff said.

“The project, which brings together expertise from the Universities of Reading, Cranfield, Sussex, Plymouth and Kent, plus numerous partners from the food industry, civil organisations and policymakers, will give a voice and power to thosewho are so often left behind when food systems, food policies and novel products are designed.

“Together, wewill help to give everyone access to a diet that meets their health needs andwhich is produced in away that is good for our planet.”

The project aims to develop a framework for affordable and desirable food that fitswith busy lives.

It is part of a £24 million boost to transform the UK food system, by placing healthy people and a healthy natural environment at its centre.

It is one of four research projects to have received funding through the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Strategic Priorities Fund (SPF).

Professor Guy Poppy, programme director of the Transforming the UK Food Systems SPF Programme said: “Never before has the role that the food system plays in both environmental and human health been so centre-stage.

“I am really excited by the ambitious and transformative projectswe have selected for funding – every single person in the UK could benefit from this research. Wewill ensure the best evidence is generated to offer decisions which need to be made in Transforming the UK food system.”