Lambeth project to prescribe fruit and veg

By Claudia Lee

Lambeth council is launching a new pilot project offering fruit and vegetables on prescription to residents.

The project will be run in partnership with the Alexandra Rose Charity and the Beacon Project to tackle both health and food poverty in the borough.

Councillor Marcia Cameron, Lambeth’s joint cabinet member for healthier communities, said: “We are working hard to tackle worsening food poverty and tackle the chronic health conditions which persist in our communities, such as heart disease and Type 2 Diabetes.”

Prescriptions of £8 Rose Vouchers plus £2 for each additional household member will be provided weekly, to be spent of fruit and vegetables of their choice.

Participants will be able to spend their vouchers at retailers in West Norwood, Streatham and Brixton Market.

The vouchers will be tailored to individuals’ medical needs by using GPs assessments.

With the cost-of-living crisis pressure on household incomes has increased the risk of diet-related health issues and food insecurity.

This project is one of a series run by the council to support residents who otherwise may need to make choices between paying for medical prescriptions or buying the fruit and vegetables.

Lambeth is recognised as the number one borough in London for tackling food poverty and has lobbied the Government to make the right to food a legal requirement.

Cllr Cameron said: “This latest initiative shows we will continue to do all we can to keep making progress and lead on this crucial issue.”

Pictured top: Brixton Street Market (Picture: Lambeth council)