Research event on food insecurity held at Teesside University

Researchers, local authority teams, NHS staff and charities gathered at Teesside University to discuss the impact of food insecurity in the region and look at potential prevention strategies.

Earlier this month, the Fuse Research Event, organised by Professor Amelia Lake and Dr Helen Moore of Teesside University, examined the lessons drawn from research and community-driven initiatives around food insecurity.

The event brought together a wide range of researchers, who had collaborated with the NHS, third-sector partners to gather evidence and devise approaches to combat food insecurity.

Speakers at the event included Dr Claire O'Malley and Andrea Burrows from Teesside University, and Joe Dunne from Middlesbrough Environment City. They explored the concept of social supermarkets and their potential as practical solutions.

Additionally, Consultant Dietitian Jo Smith shared research on Severe Mental Illness and its links with food insecurity. While Dr Anna Haste also presented insights into local organisation Sprouts model for addressing local food access issues.

The event offered attendees a chance to engage in interactive discussions and provide feedback on the different areas discussed.

Professor Lake said: “Food insecurity is a major public health concern and can lead to a wide range of additional issues for people who are already struggling”.

“It was extremely beneficial to bring together researchers, partners, and interested parties to collaborate in this way and examine what steps we can take to address food insecurity in our region and beyond.”

The event was broadcast live and will be available to watch again on the Fuse YouTube Chanel.

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