Partners from across Warwickshire came together at Old Shire Hall to mark the launch of the Warwickshire Food Together Food Plan 2026-2028.
Recently approved by Warwickshire County Council's Cabinet, the plan brings together organisations and community groups working to reduce food insecurity and tackle the wider impacts of poor access to nutritious food.
Food insecurity can contribute to a range of poor health outcomes, lower educational attainment and reduced economic opportunities. The new plan aims to address these challenges while supporting healthier, more connected communities.
The launch event featured speakers from across the county, highlighting the wide-ranging work already taking place to improve access to healthy food.
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Lawrence Sheriff student, Akhil Akella (13) and his father, Phani, spoke about Windfall, an app developed by Akhil, to prevent waste from fallen apples by redirecting surplus fruit to food banks, community projects and animal welfare organisations.
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Brian and Leigh Clarke from Wheelwright Lane Allotments shared the success of their community growing project, which supplies fresh produce to the Storehouse in Bedworth while delivering social and wellbeing benefits for local residents.
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Cherish Gwynn, from Saints Nuneaton and a Warwickshire Food Champion, outlined the organisation's programme of affordable nutritious meals and cooking classes. She highlighted summer holiday sessions that provided children with healthy breakfasts and free activities, demonstrating how food initiatives can support wider community wellbeing.
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Carole Longden, from Forest of Hearts in Stratford-upon-Avon, spoke about the charity's community growing and wellbeing projects, including work at organic growing sites and Stratford Hospital.
The event also heard from Dr Martine Barons of the University of Warwick, who presented research supported by Warwickshire County Council to develop a pioneering food security evaluation tool. The tool helps ensure resources are targeted effectively by identifying and measuring levels of need across communities.
Councillor Mike Bannister, Warwickshire County Council Portfolio Holder for Resources and Internal Affairs, said:
"The Warwickshire Food Together Plan is more than a strategy to tackle food poverty and reduce inequality. It is about empowering residents, building skills and creating sustainable ways for communities to access nutritious food.
"As the name of the plan suggests, food has the power to bring people together. Through this plan, we can improve not only physical health but also strengthen social connections and wellbeing across Warwickshire."
The Warwickshire Food Together Plan 2026-2028 can be viewed here.