The Sugar Smart Sandwell campaign was launched today with the aim of helping people reduce the amount of sugar in their diet.
Based on the national Change4Life Sugar Swaps campaign, Sugar Smart Sandwell is inviting local companies and organisations to get involved in promoting healthier food choices.
This may involve promoting a healthy workplace scheme, holding a healthy recipe demo or removing adverts for sugar. There are so many ideas that can encourage changes.
Sandwell Leisure Trust has made the first pledge to improve vending options.
Sandwell Leisure Trust chief executive Ash Rai said: “As a healthy workplace, Sandwell Leisure Trust is looking to get involved with as many Sugar Smart Sandwell actions as possible. Some people consume as many as 40 teaspoons of sugar every day. That is more than five times the recommended daily allowance!’’
Councillor Farut Shaeen, Sandwell Council’s cabinet member for living healthy lives, said: “We are inviting as many people as possible to get on board with Sugar Smart Sandwell this year.
“This is so that we can encourage our partners and organisations to make a pledge towards some sort of change in their areas, for example at their business, workplace or community group.”
Lisa McNally, Sandwell’s director of public health, said: “Earlier this year we saw hundreds of Sandwell kids give up sugary drinks during Fizz Free February. We also promote the Change4Life Sugar Swaps campaign to local schools.
“But this isn’t just an issue for kids. All of us, through our businesses and organisations, can help make healthy food choices easier.”
The campaign aims to recruit 50 organisations across Sandwell sign up to the Sugar Smart initiative by February 2020 and pledge to raise awareness and encourage action to reduce sugar intake. A network of ambassadors will be recruited to work across all sectors (e.g. workplaces, schools, health, businesses, leisure centres and community organisations).
People interested in the campaign should go to our Healthy Sandwell Sugar Smart webpage.
Further NHS information on how to reduce your sugar consumption
