Work in partnership to modify the local food choice environment
Advocate and support wider local plans that create an environment that supports healthier food choices. NICE guidance (CG43) states "Health professionals should work with shops, supermarkets, restaurants, cafes and voluntary community services to promote healthy eating choices that are consistent with existing good practice guidance and to provide supporting information.”
This may involve active review of applications to the local authority for fast food outlets and drafting objections, particularly where the rates of obesity are high, density of existing fast food outlets is high, or where the outlet is in close proximity to a school.
Support local initiatives from the Public Service Board to promote healthy eating throughout the life course, but note that Making a difference (PHW 2016) cites evidence from the WHO that interventions to promote a healthy diet and reduce obesity in schools and the workplace are less cost-effective (relative to very cost-effective population-level strategies).
Consider supporting the Co-op Local Community Fund, which makes fresh fruit and vegetables available to local residents at very affordable prices and encourages people to include them in their diets.