The SUGAR SMART campaign aims to encourage organisations, food businesses, communities and individuals across Lambeth to take action to help make it easier for people to reduce their sugar consumption. Consuming too many foods and drinks high in sugar can lead to weight gain, which in turn increases the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke and some cancers. It is also linked to tooth decay. People across the borough are being encouraged to cut down on sugar by raising awareness about its impact on health.
Word from the Cabinet
Cllr Edward Davie, Cabinet member for Health and Adult Social Care, said: “We know that there is no single solution to tackle obesity and we are working hard to take multiple actions across the borough. The SUGAR SMART Lambeth campaign is a good opportunity for us to work together to help our communities reduce their sugar intake. I would encourage everyone to take part in this initiative and help raise awareness around the risks of consuming too much sugar.”
Food system
Dedicated council officers are working across the borough to encourage a healthier food system that also supports the local economy. Public Health and council colleagues are co-ordinating the local Sugar Smart campaign and are already taking action to:
- Promote free drinking water
- Reduce high sugar options in vending machines
- Promote healthy eating in all settings
- Work with food businesses to encourage them to reduce sugar, fat, and salt in foods
- Implement wider policies and practices that align with the aim of reducing sugar consumption
Putting health first
Fran Bernhardt, SUGAR SMART National Campaign Coordinator said “we are delighted that Lambeth is launching a SUGAR SMART campaign. Lambeth joins a network of local areas across the country putting residents’ health first by stemming the flow of unhealthy food. We look forward to seeing lots of organisations across Lambeth getting involved.”
For more information
- SUGAR SMART is a campaign run by food charity Sustain through the Sustainable Food Cities network, working with councils, businesses, institutions and other sectors to help reduce overconsumption of sugar in their local areas. SUGAR SMART supports local campaigns to take on a cross-sector approach to transform their food environment and raise public awareness of the impacts of consuming too much sugar.
- See Sugar Smart’s information pages
- Find out more about sustainable food cities
