Purpose

Food insecurity remains a significant challenge in Warwickshire, driven by national economic factors including rising food prices, cost of living pressures and wider inequalities. These pressures impact residents’ health, wellbeing and life chances, with strong evidence linking food insecurity to poor physical and mental health outcomes.
The Warwickshire Food Plan 2026–2028 builds on the achievements of the Warwickshire Food Strategy 2023–2026, which strengthened partnership working and community-led responses. The new Plan sets out a clear, evidence-based framework focused on prevention, dignity and long-term resilience.
The Plan establishes a vision that all residents can reliably access affordable, nutritious and culturally appropriate food, supported by five strategic priorities:
• Preventing and reducing food insecurity
• Improving healthy and sustainable diets
• Strengthening the local food economy
• Creating healthier food environments
• Improving data, insight and learning.
A two-year delivery plan is in place for all actions in the Food Plan.
Accountability for delivery will be partnership-led through the Warwickshire Food Forum, supported by clear actions, measurable outcomes and ongoing monitoring.

Decision

Resolved

That Cabinet

1)    Approves the adoption of the Warwickshire Food Plan 2026–2028, as the Council’s strategic framework for addressing food insecurity, improving diets and strengthening food system resilience across Warwickshire;

2)    Authorises the Executive Director for Resources, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Resources and Internal Affairs, to finalise the Plan; and

3)    Supports the continued partnership-led delivery model through the Warwickshire Food Forum, ensuring alignment with wider Council priorities and the Health in All Policies approach.