The Food Active 2024 Conference ‘Increasing access to healthier food: from national policy to local action’ is set to take place virtually on Tuesday 12th November, from 9:30 am to 1:00 pm. As the UK navigates the implications of a newly formed government, this year’s conference will focus on reviewing current food policy priorities and sharing local best practice to improve access to healthier food and drink, promoting healthier weight and tackle health inequalities.

Following another sold-out event last year, we are delighted to officially launch registrations for the latest Food Active annual conference, ‘Increasing access to healthier food: from national policy to local action’.

As part of this year’s proceedings, we will start by reviewing the latest food policy priorities emerging from the newly formed government, and the potential opportunities these policies present as leverage to improve food security, particularly for some of our most vulnerable communities. Through a panel discussion with a host of experts in the field, the conference will also shine a light on the current gaps, identifying where national policies may fall short in promoting equitable access to healthy, affordable food and what action needs to be taken.

The second half of the conference, chaired by Food Active’s Lead Director of Public Health, Professor Matthew Ashton, will aim to showcase best practice from local authorities and partner organisations. This will include a series of case studies to showcase how areas are working to mitigate the current gaps in national policy and making significant strides in increasing access to affordable and healthier food and drink – demonstrating the power of local action in driving positive change.

Confirmed speakers so far include:

• Professor Matthew Ashton, Food Active’s Lead Director of Public Health and Director of Public Health, Liverpool City Council
• Adam Briggs, Senior Policy Fellow, The Health Foundation
• Hannah Brinsden, Head of Policy and Advocacy, Food Foundation
• Laura Burgess, Senior Policy and Research Advisor, Resolve Poverty
• Nicola Calder, Food Active Programme Lead, Health Equalities Group
• Liz Fisher, Senior Public Health Practitioner – Health Improvement, Liverpool City Council
• Professor Charlotte Hardman, Professor of Psychology of Eating Behaviour, Department of Psychology, Institute of Population Health, University of Liverpool
• Emma Mackie, Food Cumberland Development Officer, Cumberland Council
• Matthew Philpott, Executive Director, Health Equalities Group
• Anne Rose, Health Improvement Specialist for Early Years, Middlesbrough Council
• Dr Vicky Sibson, Director, First Steps Nutrition Trust
• Stephanie Slater, Chief Executive, School Food Matters
• Hayley Stafford, Business Growth & Development Manager, School & Residential Care Catering, Lancashire County Council
• Professor Christina Vogel, Director, Centre for Food Policy and Professor of Food Policy, City, University of London

The #FoodActive2024 conference will provide an essential and timely platform to discuss how government policies can promote healthier weight and tackle health inequalities and provide an opportunity to share learning and best practice across local areas.

Full agenda and confirmed line up speakers will be shared in due course. If you have any questions about the conference, please email beth.bradshaw@heg.org.uk