Communities in Norwich could be set to get a healthy-eating boost as a pot of money is made available for bidders looking to share the benefits of their cooking skills with others.
Norwich City Council, thanks to funding from Norfolk County Council, is offering grants of up to £500 to groups to deliver a series of community-led meals. The meals would give people the opportunity to potentially meet new people while sharing a meal with others, explore healthy food options, perhaps even hone or learn new cooking skills.
Applications could come from community organisations, charities or business – such as a school, café, pub or community group – from any part of the city, however priority will be given to wards identified as having residents with lower levels of healthy weight or high levels of diabetes.
These wards are:
- Bowthorpe
- Catton Grove
- Crome
- Lakenham
- Mancroft
- Mile Cross
- Town Close
- Wensum.
Successful applicants will provide a series of around five meals for approximately 20-25 people between April and June 2019.
Councillor Karen Davis, cabinet member for social inclusion said:
“Cooking healthy and nutritious food can be real challenge with rising poverty and falling living standards. And we know that in some parts of the city, where average wages tend to be lower, unemployment and the need for benefits higher, this is felt more acutely than others.
What we also know about the city’s residents, is there is no shortage of people who are willing to share their experience, give advice and tips and real hands-on help.
We’re really looking forward to hearing your ideas for projects to promote healthy eating and bringing communities closer together.”
The funding for the grants is £9,000 and is part of a three year funding stream provided by Norfolk County Council to district council to support the delivery of public health outcomes.
Doctor Louise Smith, director of public health said:
“A poor diet and unhealthy food can be bad for health in both children and adults. The availability of affordable healthy options can be limited for those on lower incomes and in areas with restricted shopping choices.
The county council public health team is pleased to work with the city council to help support communities find their solutions to these challenges and target health and income inequalities.”
Applicants will need to read the guidance notes and complete an application form by Thursday 31 January 2019, which can be found by visiting www.norwich.gov.uk/healthymeals
Those applying will hear if they’re successful by Friday 15 February. Grants will be paid in March.
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