New approach to make sure healthy, affordable and sustainable food is on the table for everyone

Cheshire West and Chester partners have today launched a five-year commitment to improve diet, reduce diet-related health inequalities and help residents of all ages live healthier lives.

The Get Cheshire West Eating Well Strategy 2026–2031 sets out a shared vision for a borough where everyone – regardless of age, income, background, ability or where they live – can access affordable, healthy, sustainable and enjoyable food.

A healthy diet is essential for good health throughout life, helping children grow and develop, supporting wellbeing and productivity in adulthood, and enabling older people to stay independent for longer.

Poor diet is linked to obesity, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, some cancers and other long-term health conditions.

Evidence shows that many residents in the borough do not meet recommended dietary guidelines and that poorer diet quality is more common in communities experiencing disadvantage.

Co-developed through partnership working and informed by local health needs, the new strategy recognises that eating well is influenced by far more than individual choice.

Factors such as cost of food, transport, where we live, time pressures and wider social circumstances all play a major role in shaping what people eat.

The new strategy takes a whole-system approach, bringing together organisations across health, local government, education, business, community and voluntary sectors to create environments that make healthier choices easier for residents.

Cllr Lisa Denson, Cabinet Member for a Fairer Future, Cheshire West and Chester Council said:

“Eating well is one of the most important foundations of good health, but we know that many residents face barriers that make healthy eating difficult.

“This strategy recognises that improving nutrition is not simply about providing information – it is about creating the right conditions, environments and support systems that help people make healthier choices in everyday life.

“By working together across organisations, communities and neighbourhoods, we can make healthy food more accessible, affordable and sustainable, while helping to reduce health inequalities and improve wellbeing for people of all ages across Cheshire West and Chester.”

Key areas of action will include:

• expanding access to affordable food initiatives
• supporting breastfeeding and healthy early years nutrition
• improving healthy food provision in childcare, schools and community settings
• strengthening community food partnerships and local food growing opportunities
• embedding nutrition support within neighbourhood health services
• supporting workplaces to promote healthy eating
• reducing food insecurity and addressing barriers such as cost, transport and limited cooking facilities
• promoting sustainable local food systems and reducing food waste.

Rebecca Story, Strategic Lead for the West Cheshire Food Partnership, Cheshire West Voluntary Action, said:

 “Through the West Cheshire Food Partnership, we have already seen the positive impact that collective action can have in addressing food insecurity, supporting community food initiatives and helping people access affordable, healthy food with dignity.

“This strategy builds on that strong foundation and recognises that lasting change comes when organisations, businesses, communities and residents work together.

“We are proud to support the launch of this strategy and look forward to helping deliver its ambitions so that everyone in Cheshire West and Chester has the opportunity to eat well, regardless of their circumstances or where they live.”

For more information visit: 

www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/GetCheshireWestEatingWell

The Get Cheshire West Eating Well Strategy 2026–2031 is a five-year strategy supporting the Cheshire West and Chester Health and Wellbeing Strategy and Borough Plan.

The strategy has been informed by:

• Starting Well: Healthy Weight JSNA (2024)
• Starting Well: Eating Well JSNA (2024)
• Adult Nutrition and Health Needs Assessment (2026)

Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA) | Cheshire West and Chester Council

The strategy adopts a life-course approach, supporting residents from infancy through to older age, with a particular focus on reducing inequalities and improving access to healthy, affordable food across the borough.