Health and wellbeing
World Food Day shines a light on Walsall’s food movement
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To mark World Food Day 2025 on 16 October 2025, Walsall Council is recognising a wave of community-led initiatives that are transforming the borough’s food landscape, from growing and cooking projects to community shops providing affordable food.
In September 2025, the Health and Wellbeing Board approved the Walsall Food Plan, outlining its vision for a borough where healthy, affordable and tasty food is accessible to all. The Walsall Food Partnership has been established to coordinate and drive the delivery of the Food Plan priorities, including Walsall working towards and achieving Sustainable Food Place status.
Progress is being made in Walsall, including the Feeding our Futures Small Grants Programme (in partnership with Walsall Council Public Health and the Voluntary and Community Sector Locality Hub (Leads)), which is supporting 17 local organisations to improve access to good food. This includes cooking and nutrition workshops, growing, budget recipe books, life skills training, after-school clubs and community meals.
The Children and Families Healthy Eating Programme, delivered by Food for Life and commissioned by Walsall Council Public Health, continues to support over 19,000 children, with 81 Early Years and school settings enrolled in the programme.
Food for Life’s Nourishing Communities Award, which celebrates local organisations making good food accessible has been awarded to ten groups, from Scouts to Walsall Family Hubs.
Community shops across Walsall are providing food and everyday items at lower prices, including the newly launched Carpathian Community Shop in Palfrey, which opened in September this year.
“ World Food Day is an opportunity to reflect on the importance of good food – food that nourishes, empowers and brings communities together. In Walsall, we’re working closely with our communities to build a fairer, healthier and more sustainable food system. From community gardens to food literacy programmes, we’re helping residents of all ages make positive food choices and lead healthier lives. I’d encourage everyone to find out what is happening in their local area, whether that is making use of community-based food provision, or participating in cooking or growing projects, or taking advantage of community meals where you live. “
Walsall residents can explore community shops open across Walsall by visiting the Walsall Council website.
Residents can also get involved in food growing and cooking projects by contacting their local voluntary and community sector (VCS) lead.
Read the full Walsall Food Plan on CMIS.
- Food for Life Walsall (led by the Soil Association) has been working with local authorities across the country for over 10 years, supporting schools, nurseries, caterers and communities to embed a good food culture within their settings and beyond. The Walsall programme (funded by Walsall Council Public Health) has been running since 2017 and are delivering the Children and Families Healthy Eating programme. To find out more about the programme including recent achievements, visit the Food for Life website.
- Sustainable Food Places is a programme run by the Soil Association that recognises areas that have a holistic and joined up approach to food. To find out more visit: Home | Sustainable Food Places.
- The Walsall Food Partnership is built of stakeholders from across the food system, who share the vision for a healthier, inclusive and sustainable food future. The partnership involves:
- Sharing knowledge and good practice to drive enterprise and innovation.
- Coordinating action across the food system, connecting stakeholders and collaborating to empower the community.
- Delivering local food projects across our communities to help make good food an option for all.
- Advocating for Walsall residents through influencing local food policies, action plans and decision-making.
