The needs assessment is a broad summary of how the food and nutrition environment in West Sussex impacts population health outcomes; seeking to describe recent and future population food and nutrition needs.

Objectives

  • To present the recent trends in food and nutrition-related health needs in West Sussex, including the identification of population groups most at risk of poor health due to inadequate diet and nutrition.
  • To describe and analyse the food and nutrition environment in West Sussex, including recent pressures and predicted future challenges affecting the food and nutrition system.
  • To identify key food and nutrition milestones and their impacts across the life course, as well as current programme provision, local assets, and partnerships in West Sussex that support individuals including at key nutritional transition points.

Structure of the Assessment

The needs assessment is organised around three core themes, each presented in chapters covering the following areas:

  1. Food and nutrition as a determinant of population health. This section examines population demographics and nutrition-related epidemiology, alongside the health impacts of the wider food and nutrition environment.
  2. Food and nutrition across the life course. This section explores evidence and data on whether nutritional recommendations are being met across different life stages, including infancy, childhood, working-age adulthood, older age, and the associated health impacts.
  3. The food landscape. This section assesses local assets, food availability and access, food poverty, cultural influences, climate considerations, and food as a commercial determinant of health.

Together the chapters in the assessment make up a practical resource for stakeholders, supporting informed discussions, strategic planning, and action to improve food and nutrition outcomes across West Sussex.

Downloads

Theme 1: Food and Nutrition as a Determinant of Population Health

Theme 2: Food and Nutrition Life Course Stages

Chapters for theme 2 will be released in due course - please check this page in the future for updates.

Theme 3: The West Sussex Food System and its Wider Influences

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