The Walsall Food Summit organised by Food for Life Walsall (a Soil Association programme) with Public Health Walsall took place on 17 January 2024 at Walsall Football Club.
It began with an introduction from Nadia Inglis, Interim Director of Public Health at Walsall Council, who talked about the need for easy access to good food that is not only healthy, but affordable and sustainable too.
The Walsall Food Summit was a catalyst for action, with a focus on building on the great work that is taking place in Walsall and identifying priority actions for a borough-wide food plan, which has an emphasis on good food choices, access and sustainability.
Dr Lynne Goodacre inspired the room about the work that has taken place through the Blackburn with Darwen Food Alliance.
Food partnerships, identifying the right partners and harnessing existing community assets and spaces were central to the day’s conversations. In the coming months, partners will work together to discuss next steps and bring a Walsall Food Partnership to life.
“ It was great to hear about the dynamic discussions and plans with more than 30 organisations represented at the Walsall Food Summit. Growing, supplying and selling good food for communities to access are just some of the things that make a thriving food system.
It is important that we do not lose sight of the positive work that is already taking place. Let us continue to build on existing policy and practice and work towards the ambition of creating a positive food environment for everyone. “
“ The Walsall Food Summit was such an exciting event. It was fantastic to see and hear from so many people in the room that were enthused about improving the food system in Walsall.
As part of the round table discussions looking at the draft Walsall Food Plan, it was clear that there are already so many brilliant activities happening to improve opportunities to grow, buy and eat good food and it was so motivating to hear about them.
Food for Life are excited to be working with Walsall Council take forward key priorities identified through the summit and work collaboratively to explore the development of a Walsall Food Partnership. “