To: Southwark Council
Spotlighting Healthy food
Subject: Petition for the Availability of Healthy Food Options and Responsible Advertising in Southwark.
Dear Southwark Council team,
We, the undersigned residents of Southwark, are writing to express our deep concern regarding the availability of healthy food options and the impact of high-calorie, low-nutrition advertising in our community. As responsible citizens, we believe that access to nutritious food is a fundamental right and plays a crucial role in ensuring the well-being and long-term health of our residents.
Over the years, our community has faced significant challenges related to obesity, diet-related illnesses, and rising healthcare costs. Despite commendable efforts by local authorities, there is a pressing need to take more assertive action to address these issues, particularly in the context of the years 2019-2023. We urge the Southwark Council to prioritize the following measures:
1. Improved Availability of Healthy Food Options:
According to data from Household Food Insecurity- Southwark council, the availability of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein options in our local high streets and shopping areas has been limited. This has contributed to an unhealthy food environment that hinders residents from making nutritious choices.
• We request the Southwark Council to collaborate with local markets, grocery stores, and food vendors to increase the availability of affordable and high-quality healthy food options.
• Initiatives such as farmers' markets, community gardens, and incentives for businesses to provide nutritious choices should be actively promoted.
2. Responsible Advertising Practices:
The prevalence of advertisements promoting high-calorie, low-nutrition foods has a direct impact on the dietary choices of our residents, especially our children and youth. Despite the measure taken by the council in 2019 to stop junk food advertising, these advertisements contribute to the perpetuation of unhealthy eating habits.
• We call upon the Southwark Council to regulate and restrict the advertising of unhealthy foods in public spaces, particularly in areas frequented by children and families.
• Encourage local businesses to promote and advertise healthier food options to shift consumer preferences towards more nutritious choices.
3. Affordability and Cost of Living Crisis:
We acknowledge the challenges posed by the cost-of-living crisis in our community. Many residents face financial constraints that limit their ability to access healthier food options.
• We urge the Southwark Council to explore subsidies, vouchers, or incentives to make healthy food options more affordable for low-income families and individuals.
• Collaborate with local food banks, non-profit organizations, and community groups to ensure that nutritious food is accessible to all, regardless of their economic circumstances.
We firmly believe that by taking these measures, the Southwark Council can significantly impact the health and well-being of our community members and create a positive shift towards healthier lifestyles. We kindly request your attention and consideration of this petition, as we believe that our collective efforts can lead to a more vibrant, healthier, and thriving Southwark.
Thank you for your time and commitment to the well-being of our community.
Sincerely,
Spotlighting Healthy Food Team
Funded by: Bite-back, UK youth, Proudtobeme, Community fund
Why is this important?
Subject: Join Our Campaign for a Healthier Southwark: Let's Make a Difference Together!
Dear Southwark residents,
I hope this message finds you well. We wanted to reach out to you and share something close to our heart lately –a spotlighting healthy food campaign for a healthier Southwark. I truly believe that if we come together as a community, we can make a significant positive change that will benefit all of us, and we would love for you to be a part of it.
Over the past few years, we have seen some concerning trends that we believe we can address together. Did you know that from 2019 to 2023, our area has been facing challenges related to obesity, diet-related illnesses, and rising healthcare costs? The availability of healthy food options has been limited, making it difficult for people to make nutritious choices. We've heard stories from local families struggling to find affordable, high-quality food that nourishes their bodies.
Imagine a Southwark where our high streets are filled with vibrant markets and stores offering fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein options – easily accessible for everyone. Imagine children being surrounded by advertisements that encourage healthy eating and positive food choices, rather than promoting foods that contribute to health problems.
We believe that by coming together, we can make this vision a reality. The Southwark Council has a crucial role to play, and our voices can make a significant impact. By signing our petition, we're sending a powerful message that we care about the health and well-being of our neighbours, friends, and families.
Think about the stories we could create – stories of families enjoying nutritious meals together, children growing up with a strong foundation of healthy eating habits, and a community that thrives on wellness. Our combined efforts can inspire local businesses to offer more nutritious options and encourage our council to take action towards creating a healthier environment for all.
Your support means the world to us, and we truly believe that with your voice added to ours, we can make this campaign a success. Let's be the change we want to see in our community and work towards a healthier, happier Southwark together.
If you have any questions or want to learn more, please don't hesitate to reach out. We are excited about the possibilities, and we hope you'll join us in this meaningful journey for change.
Warm regards,
Spotlighting Healthy Food Team
Funded by: Bite-back, UK youth, Proudtobeme, Community fund
