Lean times

Oldham Foodbank

OLDHAM is set to fight the food crisis from both ends of the spectrum.

Two contrasting motions go before the council tomorrow night with food poverty AND obesity high on the agenda.

Votes will be cast over proposals to ban high-sugar items and to offer support to residents going hungry.

Councillor Susan Dearden will move a motion encouraging a campaign to ban all high-sugar foods and drinks available in council-run buildings.

Councillor Cath Ball will advocate increased support and awareness for children and families living with the damaging effects of hunger. On the one hand, the council is observing its responsibility to promote health and well-being in a country where one in three children are overweight or obese by the time they leave primary school.

Only a third of adults in Oldham are physically active with the borough ranked 141st out of 150 local authorities for rates of physical activity, according to latest figures.

The news comes amid the launch of the "End Hunger" campaign in October as well as the Government's long-awaited Obesity Strategy.