Agenda item - Brighton & Hove Food Strategy Action Plan 2025-30: Health & Wellbeing Board

(copy attached)

63.1 This item was presented by Angela Blair (Brighton and Hove Food Partnership), Katie Cuming (Consultant in Public Health), and Vic Borrill (Brighton and Hove Food Partnership) with accompanying slides.

63.2 The presenters outlined the report and presentation to the board, including the historical impacts of the action plan, its achievements and data to date, and how to move forward with a refreshed plan and combat remaining and new challenges.

63.3 Councillor De Oliveira asked a question on the approach to using Body Mass Index (BMI) as a measurement. Katie Cuming responded to this question, recognising that the measurement is still widely used but is not perfect, for instance when used against athletes and different ethnic groups. Vic Boriill also contributed to the response, outlining vitamin malnourishment.

63.4 Tanya Brown-Griffith (Director for Joint Commissioning and Integrated Community Teams at NHS Sussex) raised a point of discussion on the prevention offer within the programme and how the offer of support is weighted. Councillor De Oliveira agreed with the points raised.

63.5 Councillor Grimshaw gave a statement and contributed to the debate, citing a new McDonald’s set to be opened in the Hangleton and Knoll Ward. They also discussed the numbers of children obese within the city and welcomed that this against the higher national trend, asking however if data exists showing obesity rates (and breastfeeding rates) in more deprived areas of the city.

63.6 Angela Blair responded to these points, stating that takeaways have become an increasing issue with respect to healthy eating. Katie Cuming stated that there is a relationship between obesity and deprivation and that this is evidenced across school, if not always entirely clear. Katie Cuming stated that there is also a relationship between breastfeeding rates and deprivation and that data does exist.

63.7 RESOLVED – that the report be noted and approved.