Topic 2.1 Markets and Other Alternative Food Outlets

All urban communities should be able to access healthy food within a 10 minute walk from their home.

There are places where it is easier to access unhealthy foods than have access to healthy food.

Traditional town centre food markets are finding trade difficult and cannot compete with more profitable prepared food businesses who can pay higher rents.

Communities living on isolated estates or on edge of town cannot afford to travel around for a healthy food shop.

Crisis or emergency food providers are experiencing planning challenges in their search for permanent or temporary premises.

Ready-prepared food traders can pay a higher rent than fresh food traders.

Support temporary use of land and buildings for pantries, community groceries (or similar)

Support temporary and permanent market stalls or alternative premises in areas of deficiency (food deserts);

Recognise and support alternative forms of community retail

Protect markets

Identify sites for farmers markets in new developments

Encourage “Good food hubs”

Flexible use community centres which could be food hubs without planning constraints

Map food deserts

Map locations of shops selling a range of foods

In creating new models for vibrant high streets “Good food hubs” with social spaces alongside food businesses should be encouraged and linked to local and regional fresh and sustainable produce growers and producers (such as independent bakeries) to ensure more diverse selling options for such producers and shorter supply chains.
Sustain and RSPB (2021) The Case for Local Food, building better local food systems to benefit society and nature

How pioneering place-based interventions are creating more resilient food systems: https://foodfoundation.org.uk/news/how-pioneering-place-based-interventions-are-creating-more-resilient-food-systems

Retail food markets link food growers and producers to consumers enhancing understanding of the value of good food. Markets selling loose produce make it easier for small households and those with lower disposable income to purchase smaller quantities. A local planning policy framework could support the provision of temporary market stalls which can be easily located in food deserts. 

Support for food businesses is now in Planning law with permitted development rights relating to outdoor markets by or on behalf of English Local Authorities.

“Community groceries” bridge the gap between supermarkets and foodbanks; mostly using surplus food local supermarkets to make food shopping more affordable whilst reducing food waste. Additional services such as debt advice or cookery classes are often available in food banks and pantries.

Town centre managers

Market trading associations

Social landlords

Good food traders

Philanthropic community and faith organisations

Reduction in area identified as food desert (Environmental Health records)

Proportion of residents able to access a shop or a market selling healthy food within a 10 minute walk from their home (i.e. living in a compact and walkable neighbourhood).

https://www.sustainweb.org/good-food-enterprise/st-andrews-liverpool-case-study/

Local Government Association has published case studies and resources around programmes assisting households who are unable to afford sufficient food for a healthy diet. Find out about food hubs, social supermarkets and pantries which don’t fit neatly in the use classes order.

Positive impact of Pantries in Stockport 

Foodbanks and Food Pantries (sefton.gov.uk)

There are several food pantries across Sefton. Food Pantries are different to Foodbanks in that they sell food at a reduced cost. This can help people manage their budget and still be able to have healthy meals at home.