Highlighting how evidence-based nutrition and behaviour approaches have positively impacted mental health and wellbeing in real-world settings.
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These stories reflect our commitment to collaborative practice, innovation, and measurable outcomes. From clinical interventions to community initiatives, each project provides valuable insights into challenges faced, solutions developed, and lessons learned.
By sharing these experiences, we aim to inspire new ideas, inform practice, and demonstrate the meaningful difference that integrated nutrition and behavioural strategies can make in improving lives.
FRESH STREET
FRESH STREET
Improving access to healthy food
Fresh Street is a pioneering pilot project designed to make fruit and vegetables more accessible in some of Doncaster’s most deprived areas. By combining community engagement, a voucher scheme, and partnerships with local vendors, the initiative promotes healthier eating and supports local businesses.
What We’ve Achieved
373 households nationally have improved access to fruit and veg through Fresh Street, including 150 in Doncaster.
700 households engaged in baseline surveys (104 in Doncaster), contributing to NIHR portfolio accruals.
Developed a secure voucher system, trained vendors on app usage, and set up reimbursement processes.
Built strong community links through local groups, schools, and stakeholder networks such as the Doncaster Good Food Network.
Collaborative Working
Fresh Street’s success has been driven by strong partnerships. We worked closely with Doncaster Council, who provided community profiles and local insights to help us target support effectively. Collaboration with local councillors, community groups, and fruit and veg vendors ensured the project was rooted in the needs of the community.
How We Did It
Targeted Approach: Mapped two of the most deprived Lower Layer Super Output Areas (LSOAs) in Wheatley Hills and Intake Ward to identify households most in need.
Community Engagement: Created promotional materials, delivered leaflets, and developed a communications plan to raise awareness and encourage participation.
Vendor Partnerships: Worked closely with fruit and veg vendors to ensure smooth voucher redemption, provided training on digital systems, and established secure payment processes.
Innovation: Supported development and user testing of the voucher scanning app to streamline voucher tracking and vendor reimbursement.
Why It Matters
Fresh Street is more than a research study—it’s a practical solution to reduce health inequalities by making healthy food affordable and accessible. By working with local communities and businesses, the project strengthens social connections and promotes long-term dietary improvements.
What Participants Say
"Just sending you all a massive thank you from my husband and myself for our vouchers.
We very much appreciate them in these hard times. Thanks again ❤❤❤"
— Fresh Street participant
Find out more
Read the full publication here- https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12889-024-21062-y
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