Last week, the Government unveiled its new ‘Plan for Neighbourhoods’, a £1.5 billion investment in 75 of the most deprived communities across the UK. This 10-year programme will provide up to £20 million per area, aiming to ‘lay the foundations to kickstart local growth and drive-up living standards’.
At the heart of the programme are Neighbourhood Boards, bringing together residents, local businesses, and grassroots organisations to shape and implement a Regeneration Plan for their communities. The Government has set out a list of pre-approved interventions across key themes, including housing, employment, transport, health and wellbeing, and education.
A landmark moment for food vouchers
We are thrilled to see that ensuring access to good-quality healthy food through food vouchers and fruit and veg prescription schemes are included among the eligible interventions. This announcement is a significant step forward in recognising the important role that vouchers for healthy food play in reducing child poverty and tackling health inequalities.
We are also pleased to see funding allocated for the creation and ongoing support of open-air markets. These markets will be vital in improving access to fresh fruit and veg in areas dominated by unhealthy food options.
Our Chief Executive, Jonathan Pauling, has welcomed the announcement:
“The Government has recognised the role of voucher projects in reducing child poverty and tackling health inequalities. This is a major milestone. We know that access to affordable fresh fruit and veg can transform diet and health outcomes for families on low incomes. By including vouchers in its Plan for Neighbourhoods, the Government is taking an important step towards making healthy food more accessible for those who need it most.”
At Alexandra Rose Charity, we have long championed the power of vouchers for fruit and veg to improve diets, support local food economies, and empower communities. We look forward to working with local partners to ensure this funding is used effectively to bring fresh fruit and veg within reach of more families.