Consumer Health & Nutrition
We’re nurturing the health of our communities through education, collaboration, and innovation in the food system.
Health, Wealth, & Diet
Our goal is to make nutritious, affordable food accessible to everyone — supporting diets rich in plants, fibre, and fresh produce that reflect the needs of our region. Obesity rates in Kent and Medway are rising. In 2021/2022, 65.8% of adults were classified as overweight — up from 63.1% the previous year. The figures vary across our region, from 57% in Tunbridge Wells to 73% in Folkestone and Hythe[1] [2]
Most of us still fall short of the recommended daily fibre intake and five portions of fruit and vegetables a day. According to the NHS, low fibre diets and obesity increase the risk of heart disease, strokes, type 2 diabetes, and bowel cancer.
Why Changing Diet is Complex
Encouraging people to eat more fruit, vegetables and pulses isn’t simple. Common barriers include:
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Cost and affordability of fresh produce
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Limited time to prepare healthy meals
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Social influences and marketing of convenience foods
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Access to grocery stores and nutritious options
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Lack of cooking skills or meal ideas
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Poor labelling and packaging information
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Habit and motivation
There is no single solution. But taking a food system approach with multidisciplinary specialists will have the greatest impact.
Improving Health Outcomes
with a Better Food System
At Growing Kent & Medway, we’re connecting research specialists, businesses, and policymakers to enhance the nutritional value of our food and strengthen the productivity of our fresh produce and horticulture sectors.
We’re investing in research and innovation that supports a healthier, more sustainable future, including:
Novel Legume Crops
for the UK, including chickpeas, lentils, soya beans and faba beans
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Reformulating Products
to reduce high levels of salt, fat and sugar.
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At Growing Kent & Medway, we’re connecting research specialists, businesses, and policymakers to enhance the nutritional value of our food and strengthen the productivity of our fresh produce and horticulture sectors.
We’re investing in research and innovation that supports a healthier, more sustainable future, including:
Novel legume crops for the UK, including chickpeas, lentils, soya beans and faba beans
Smarter labelling and packaging
Reformulating products to reduce high levels of salt, fat and sugar
Engaging young people on food providence and nutrition
Bio-enhancing crops for improved nutrient content
Supporting horticultural productivity to boost fruit and vegetable yields
New Product Development (NPD) of functional food
Innovating new plant-based ingredient and novel proteins
New Ingredients Case Studies
Innovation Centres
The Biotechnology Hub, University of Kent
With new cutting-edge equipment, research focuses on plant biology, post-harvest, and packaging to support sustainable food and drink production.
GreenTech Hub for Advanced Horticulture, Niab
Specialising in fruit crops, research expertise includes genetics and breeding, pest and disease control, and crop production systems.
Medway Food Innovation Centre, University of Greenwich
Leading expertise in alternative proteins, novel processing, and plant and algal protein-based new product development.
USEFUL LINKS
British Nutrition Foundation Link
Food Foundation Link