Hull and Lincolnshire councils receive £222k to tackle food access and childhood obesity

Hull City Council and four local authorities in Lincolnshire are set to receive £222,000 each from the UK government to improve access to healthy and affordable food. The funding, part of a wider DEFRA initiative, targets areas with high deprivation and childhood obesity rates, including Hull, where nearly one in five Year 6 children are classified as obese.

Funding allocated to tackle food access and obesity

Hull City Council and four local authorities in Lincolnshire are among 45 local councils in England set to receive £222,000 each from the UK’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). The funding aims to improve access to healthy and affordable food in areas facing high levels of deprivation and childhood obesity, according to BBC News.

The selected authorities were chosen based on their levels of deprivation and childhood obesity rates. In Hull, 10.2% of children in reception year (aged 4-5) and 19% of those in Year 6 (aged 10-11) are classified as obese, exceeding national averages.

Barriers to healthy food in Hull

Access to healthy food in Hull is described as a "stark" challenge, with factors beyond income playing a significant role. Darren Squires of the Hull Food Partnership reportedly said that barriers include distance from supermarkets and time poverty, making it difficult for some residents to access nutritious food.

Squires also noted that in some areas of the city, takeaway meals are more accessible than ingredients for home-cooked meals. He added that the funding could help address these challenges by supporting initiatives like community food shops and mobile greengrocers.

Mike Ross, leader of Hull City Council, reportedly welcomed the funding, emphasizing its potential to build on existing efforts and collaborate with local communities to support residents.

Next steps for funding allocation

Further details about the funding will be shared during a government meeting scheduled for next week. The initiative aligns with broader efforts to reduce health inequalities in areas where food access is limited.

Nige Oliver, portfolio holder for health, wellbeing and adult social care at North East Lincolnshire Council, reportedly said that the funding would help tackle barriers to healthy food and support ongoing work with local communities.

What this means

Lazyfounder analysis — our interpretation, not reported fact.

This funding reflects a growing recognition that food access is not just about income but also about infrastructure and geography. For founders building solutions in food tech, health, or local logistics, this is a signal that public sector demand exists for scalable models that address food deserts and time poverty. The emphasis on community-driven solutions—like mobile greengrocers—also suggests an opportunity for startups that can partner with local councils or NGOs to pilot and scale such initiatives. However, the short-term nature of government funding means any business model relying on it must either diversify revenue streams or demonstrate clear cost savings for the public sector.

Key takeaways

• 45 local authorities in England, including Hull and four in Lincolnshire, will receive £222,000 each from DEFRA to improve food access.
• Hull’s childhood obesity rates are above the national average, with 19% of Year 6 children classified as obese.
• The funding aims to support community-based solutions like food shops and mobile greengrocers.
• Barriers to healthy food in Hull include distance from supermarkets and time poverty, not just income.
• Further details on the funding will be shared in a government meeting next week.

FAQ

Why was Hull selected for this funding?

Hull was chosen due to its high levels of deprivation and childhood obesity. The city’s obesity rates for reception year (10.2%) and Year 6 (19%) children exceed national averages.

What kinds of projects could the funding support?

The funding could support community-driven initiatives such as mobile greengrocers, community food shops, and other schemes aimed at improving access to healthy food.

How will the funding be allocated?

Further details on the allocation process will be shared during a government meeting scheduled for next week.

What are the main barriers to healthy food access in Hull?

Barriers include distance from supermarkets, time poverty, and the prevalence of takeaways over grocery stores in certain areas.

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