Abstract Introduction
Walsall Council has a successful healthy catering scheme for takeaways. A range of premises that did not meet the criteria for the existing scheme approached the Council to ask for similar support, so the scheme was expanded. Methods We worked with a pilot group of businesses to develop resources and coaching offers, including:Businesses rated 3 on the Food Hygiene Rating Scale (FHRS) - this work included food hygiene coaching;Soft play centres;Mobile food vendors. After consultation with these businesses, we established they wanted:Simple / pictorial information supporting low literacy levels / people with English as an additional language;Practical support through officer visits;Support for promoting healthier menu choices;Free or low cost changes that were easy to implement - accounting for limited preparation facilities, equipment and a low profit margin Results20 businesses rated 3 to our initial roll out, of which 6 so far have completed the scheme. We have produced pathways and resources to roll this out to all businesses rated 3 on the FHRS.For soft play centres, we developed an award focussing on the types of food young people eat when out. We included weaning, working with the infant feeding team to ensure consistent messages. A pilot with mobile traders was completed, leading to the development of bespoke award criteria to reflect limitations.
Conclusions
Collaborative working with a wide range of partners was key. Consultation with traders crucial to ensure practicality of criteria.Hands on support from officers appreciated by businesses. External funding details Funded by Walsall Public Health and Delivered and Designed by Walsall Regulatory Services, Environmental Health, Health Switch Team