Creating a safer, healthier and more sustainable food system in the Wakefield District.

Tips for individuals and families.

There are many actions individuals and families can take to help create a healthier, flourishing and sustainable food system in the Wakefield District. Here are just a few ideas:

  • Reduce the amount of food and food packaging you throw away.
    • Plan your meals for the week ahead before shopping
    • Love your leftovers, there are many great recipes that can be made from leftovers, or you can freeze what you don’t eat to use another day.
    • Where you can buy loose fruit & veg rather than plastic wrapped.
    • Recycle any food packaging wherever possible.
  • Eat a healthy balanced diet containing plenty of seasonal fruits and vegetables:
    • Eat 5 or more portions of fruit and vegetables every day.
    • Reduce your meat and cheese consumption by a few meals per week.
    • Swap to foods that are less processed. A useful way to spot highly processed foods is to check labels for ingredients you wouldn’t be able to use at home.
  • Prepare more of your food from scratch.
    • Boost your cooking skills and get new ideas by using online guides or by joining a local or online cooking group.
    • Share your favourite recipes with family, friends and neighbours.
  • Buy and eat food that has travelled the fewest possible miles. However, be aware there is more to sustainable food than distance travelled, and the type of food can have a bigger environmental impact than the length of its journey to your plate.
  • Growing your own fruit, vegetables and herbs.
    • You can do this at home or as part of a growing group or club.
    • Volunteer to share your gardening skills, knowledge and experience with others.

Tips for businesses and organisations.

There are many actions businesses and other organisations can take to help create a healthier, flourishing and sustainable food system in the Wakefield District. Here are just a few ideas:

Businesses and other organisations can:

  • Provide employees with easy access to an affordable range of healthy foods and facilities to prepare food and wash tableware.
  • Place recycling and composting bins in kitchens, cafeterias and break areas and encourage their use promoting the benefits of recycling to your employees.
  • Play your part in tackling food poverty by becoming a living wage employer.
  • Encourage volunteering with local food projects as part of your business’s community engagement or corporate social responsibility commitment.
  • If you procure food support local and seasonal food production by buying food where possible from community initiatives, social and ethical enterprises and small-scale local farmers.
  • Set and pursue a ‘zero food waste’ goal.
    • Donate or compost any food that is not consumed.
    • Plan your menus and do not over order perishable ingredients.
  • If you provide food to customers or service users ensure this food is sustainably sourced and that there are healthy options that are attractive and affordable.