The Food and Nutrition Subgroup brings together ARC East of England researchers, public health officers, Local Authority staff, community groups, charities, and public contributors who share an interest in research on food and diet.
Formed in 2019, the Subgroup is chaired by Dr Claire Thompson, the Lead of the Prevention and Early Detection in Health and Social Care Theme and is an extension of one of the priority research areas of the theme linked to diet, obesity and malnutrition. It currently consists of over 40 members with a diverse research expertise and interests, who meet quarterly to share updates on their research projects, funding applications, and relevant events. The meetings also serve as a forum for the discussion of issues linked to policy and practice on food, eating and health inequalities. We are regularly joined by guest speakers – fellow researchers, representatives of public health bodies, members of charities or community organisations – who present on all matters food related.
Our goal is to exchange ideas and knowledge and to build collaborations aimed at addressing current public and policy concerns through research. Our members’ work has been quoted in the media and influenced debates on topics such as free school meals and food poverty.
Here are some examples of research projects that our members have been working on:
- Adapt-Ed: co-designing adaptations to a whole school intervention to improve the uptake and impact of food provision in special schools;
- The Impacts of Universal Free School Meal Schemes in England;
- Food, With Care: developing a food strategy for the Cambridge Children’s Hospital;
- Gaining Insight into Food, Diet Practices and Nutrition During the Early Year’s Lifespan (with the Food Foundation);
- Hostile Environment: migration and food poverty in the UK.
If you would like to know more about the Food and Nutrition Subgroup or are interested in attending any future meetings, please contact Dr Claire Thompson (c.thompson25@herts.ac.uk) or Emilia Tylenda (e.tylenda@herts.ac.uk) for more information.