Healthy future on menu in Lottery bid

OLDHAM is one step closer to a healthier future as its bid for Lottery funding gains momentum.

The Big Lottery Fund’s £50 million Local Food programme is dedicated to funding projects that will improve health across the country.

A local group, which includes representatives from Oldham Community Health Services and the council, has been invited to submit a stage two bid for a £300,000 grant and is urging all food retailers, suppliers and producers to get involved.

The project focuses on availability and affordability of healthy food from local retailers and aims to build on research already carried out with local businesses, residents and key organisations.

The aim is to support local producers and retailers to sell a wider range of healthy food items and to ensure people know why it’s important to eat healthily and are able to do so.
Plans include a food directory and supporting website, which will promote local food retailers and producers and help residents to shop locally and support their local cafes and restaurants.

In addition, a support package for retailers will be offered to increase the sale and supply of a range of healthy foods — such as quality seasonal fruit and vegetables sourced from local and regional food producers.

Emma Haman, senior health development worker (food and nutrition), from Oldham Community Health Services, said: “We are working hard to make sure that local people live longer, healthier lives.

“Obviously a big part of that is eating healthily, in addition to other factors such as regular exercise, so we want to make sure that people are able to do that no matter what they earn, or where they live.”

Cabinet member for regeneration, Councillor Mohib Uddin, said: “Oldham Council is involved in a wide range of initiatives to assist and support local business wherever it can.

“The production of a local food guide will give people and businesses the opportunity to get the information that they need to purchase high-quality, locally-grown produce that will cut down on travelling costs, is fresher and supports local traders which is good news for everyone.”

More information about the Local Food project and about the grants is available at www.localfoodgrants.org/home  

Businesses can contact Emma on 0161-621 7143 or by e-mail to ehaman@nhs.net  by March, 2010, if they want to get involved.