20+ local partners delivering courses and events
Funded by
Big Lottery Fund
Year
2008 – 2013
Location
Heath, Barking and Dagenham; Bellingham, Lewisham; Canning Town North, Newham; Canonbury, Islington; Cranford, Hounslow; Upper Edmonton ward, Enfield; Brownswood ward, Hackney; Kensal Green, Brent; Notting Barns, Kensington and Chelsea; Larkhall, Lambeth; Noel Park, Haringey; Nunhead, Southwark; Limehouse, Tower Hamlets; Wormholt and White City, Hammersmith and Fulham; Haverstock, Camden; Broad Green, Croydon; South Acton, Ealing; Woolwich Common, Greenwich; Hoe Street, Waltham Forest
Brief
Eatwell was developed to help tackle high levels of obesity and poor nutrition in the 20 Well London communities, where only 22% of men and 26% of women were eating five or more portions of fruit or vegetables a day, with the poorest eating habits among 16-24 year olds.
Residents enjoyed “Cook and Eat” classes where they learned how to include more fruit and vegetables within their diets affordably. Best outcomes were achieved when the project was integrated with existing local initiatives, for example in Haringey, with a local community group, Noel’s Kitchen, the Primary Care Trust and a Local Authority children’s centre.
A series of “Community Feasts” helped the communities come together in celebration, with a focus on healthy and tasty food. Community Feasts were particularly beneficial in spreading awareness amongst participants of the full range of wellbeing activities available to them as part of Well London.
Achievement
83% reported that taking part in the courses had helped them make healthier choices about what they eat
70% reported an increase in fruit and vegetable intake
34% are eating more meals prepared from scratch