Merton ranked in the top six of 32 London boroughs in the latest report published by national health charity Sustain.

The Good Food for London report looks at the improvements being made across London to encourage food growing and healthier cooking. Within the report, Merton is commended for its food charter that launched earlier this year. Led by the council’s public health team in partnership with local environmental group Sustainable Merton, the charter outlines steps for more collaborative working towards a healthy food culture in the borough. For example, the charter encourages individuals to compost food waste and recycle food packaging.

As well as the food charter, Merton has also rolled out its Healthier Catering Commitment, encouraging local businesses to make changes to their menus and food preparation, giving residents a healthier option. So far 10 businesses have signed up to this. As a result of this, Merton has now signed up as a member of the Sustainable Food Cities and will share ideas and best practice with other local authorities.

Merton Council’s cabinet member for adult social care and health, Councillor Caroline Cooper-Marbiah, said: “This is great recognition for the hard work done by the council, Sustainable Merton and other partners to make the borough more health conscious. We are moving in the right direction and by joining Sustainable Food Cities we can make Merton one of the healthiest places to live, work and grow up in London.”

ENDS

Note to Editors:

Sustain is the alliance for better food and farming. It advocates food and agriculture policies and practices that enhance the health and welfare of people and animals, improve the working and living environment, enrich society and culture and promote equity.