University of Northampton (UON) research has helped contribute evidence for new healthy eating strategy in the county.
Dr Natasha Bayes, from the University’s Faculty of Health, Sport and Behavioural Sciences, led a project to deliver coproduction activities to help evidence plans for the West Northamptonshire Sustainable Food Network’s (WNSFN) Food Plan.
The plan has been developed in partnership with local charities, growers, health professionals, businesses, and community groups. It sets out a bold, collaborative vision for a fairer, healthier, and more resilient local food system.
The Food Plan outlines clear priorities for promoting healthy eating, reducing food insecurity, supporting local producers, tackling food waste, and embedding sustainable procurement across all neighbourhoods.
Through coproduction workshops, interviews and group discussions were conducted by the UON to gather stakeholders and community views about these key priorities for the future of the Food Plan.
The coproduction work was led by Dr Natasha Bayes who has wide experience with food insecurity, eating behaviour, food and nutrition projects. Dr Bayes commented: “After much planning and preparation, it’s wonderful to see the ambitious, bold and far-reaching Food Plan published.
“I’d like to thank everyone for their support in these coproduction activities and for their insights. The coproduction work with stakeholders and community enabled insights that helped to shape the Food Plan into something that will have real and lasting impact for communities in West Northamptonshire.”
The Food Plan forms part of the HARVEST 2026 campaign that will bring residents and partners together to celebrate and showcase the extraordinary work taking place across West Northamptonshire.
From community larders and fridges to regenerative farms, school programmes, and neighbourhood-led projects, these activities will help to strengthen the local food economy.
Nicola Toms Chair of WNSFN, adds: “The food plan reflects the collective commitment of organisations across West Northamptonshire to ensure that everyone, regardless of income, background, or postcode, has access to nutritious food and the ability to participate in shaping our local food future.
“We want to ensure that HARVEST 2026 reaches as many people as possible, and shows what is possible when we work together to make a big difference.”
There is more information about the Food Plan here. To get involved with WNSFN’s work, please contact hello@goodfoodwnorthants.org