Report names Hounslow a leader for London food action

A major new study has identified Hounslow as one of the top-performing London boroughs for community food action. The Food Systems Review outlines how the council plans to tackle rising rates of diabetes and obesity by making healthy, sustainable food more accessible to every resident.

Last month Hounslow Council launched a new report called A Food Systems Review for Hounslow: Connecting people to a heathier, sustainable and fairer food system at an event at the BridgeLink Centre in Isleworth.

The report examines how food is one of the most important factors shaping our health and that the quality of what we eat directly affects our physical wellbeing, mental health, and quality of life. Yet many people are still unable to access affordable, nutritious food, leading to rising levels of obesity, diabetes, and other food-related ill health.

It highlights the ways Hounslow Council is prioritising improving the local food system to combat this and help everyone in the borough to live longer, healthier lives.

Key initiatives towards this aim include: supporting community food-growing projects, cookery training to help residents build confidence in preparing healthy meals, and the Healthier Catering Commitment scheme, which works with local food businesses to promote healthier options.

This work has seen Hounslow’s efforts lauded in the Good Food Local (London) report published on Wednesday 18th March. It revealed that Hounslow is one of the leading London boroughs in areas including community food action, healthier food environment, Holiday Activities and Food (HAF), and food growing.

Councillor Salman Shaheen, Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Public Spaces, said: “Food is at the heart of our communities. It shapes our health, our local economy, our environment, and our sense of belonging.

“This Food Systems Review reflects months of engagement with residents, community organisations, local businesses, and Council staff. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to everyone who contributed their time, insight, and lived experience.

“I welcome this review as a robust evidence base to develop a Food Strategy for Hounslow that connects residents to a healthier, more sustainable and fairer food system.”

Councillor Lily Bath, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, Public Health and Health Integration Food, added: “A strong food system helps us take a proactive approach to improving health. It allows us to promote better nutrition, support healthier diets, and create environments where the healthy choice is the easy choice.

“This includes improving access to fresh food, supporting education around healthy eating, and working with local partners to reduce reliance on unhealthy, highly processed foods.

“By addressing food and health together, we can prevent illness rather than simply treat it. This not only improves individual wellbeing but also reduces long-term pressure on our health and care services.”