Council launches Good Food Retail scheme to boost healthier food access in local stores

The Council is supporting ten local stores in the two Healthy School Neighborhood areas in Bucks providing a free trial of healthier products, tailored advice, and ongoing engagement to help retailers overcome barriers to stocking healthier lines. This initiative is part of a broader effort to tackle unhealthy food environments and promote better health outcomes for children and residents in the Cressex and Elmhurst areas.

Cllr Isobel Darby, Buckinghamshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, said:

“We’re proud to be part of the Good Food Retail movement, which is already making a real difference in our communities. By supporting local retailers, we’re helping to ensure that healthier choices are not only available but also appealing and affordable. This is about empowering residents to make healthier food choices and supporting our local businesses at the same time.”

The Good Food Retail model reframes public health as a commercial opportunity –demonstrating that healthier products can sell when made accessible. Independent evaluations have shown a 22% increase in the availability of healthier products in participating stores, with councils playing a key role in removing financial risk and building a sustainable model for change. The approach in Bucks also involves partnership working with local schools to help promote the healthy eating agenda.

One of the participating retailers is Subramanian Anpalagan, who runs the Nisa store on Buckingham Road, Aylesbury. He shared his experience:

“The support has been really helpful. I’ve increased my range of healthier products by over 13%, including new lines in biscuits, snacks, and fresh produce. It’s great to be able to offer more choice to my customers.”

Buckinghamshire Council will continue to monitor the impact of the scheme and work closely with local retailers to ensure long-term success.