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How we can influence healthier dietary habits: Key takeaways from our expert panel event

  • April 8, 2025

Last week, FoodCycle hosted a thought-provoking panel discussion: how we can influence healthier dietary habits.  Chaired by FoodCycle trustee, Frances Le Grys, the conversation brought together experts from across the food, drink, and charity sectors, all of whom shared invaluable insights into the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.  

The panel included FoodCycle’s CEO, Sophie Tebbetts, who was joined by Alex Beckett, Food and Drink Director, Mintel; Elaine Hindal, CEO, The British Nutrition Foundation and Hannah Cornick, Head of Sustainability and Social Impact, Danone UK & Ireland.  

You can listen to the full recording of the event or download the full transcript. 

Some of the key takeaways: 

The importance of healthy, sustainable diets
There is decades of evidence showing that diets high in saturated fat, sugar, and salt are linked to a range of health issues but it was noted that we need to be addressing nutritional deficiencies as well – 90% of people aren’t getting enough fibre and 50% of children don’t get enough vitamin D.   

Poor diet now contributes to one in eight deaths in the UK, costing an estimated £56 billion a year—including £6.5 billion to the NHS—making this both a public health and economic crisis. 

Barriers and empathy
We’re living in a challenging environment and there are many barriers preventing people from eating a healthier diet including, money, accessibility (to shops and equipment), stress, mental health and on top of that there’s a lack of trust which makes it harder to prioritise what they should be buying and what’s best for them and for the planet. 

People know they need to be eating better but when they face multiple barriers, it makes comfort food more appealing, so they’re going to reach for that quick fix and we need to make healthy food the easy choice, not the hard one.  Expecting people to prioritise health over cost isn’t realistic. 

Needs to be convenient, fun and tasty
People want help to be able to live healthier lives so businesses should be looking at what they can do.  Some great examples were shared by Danone who have been reformulating to reduce sugar but were clear in highlighting the challenges;  we need to do that gradually and absolutely need to prioritise taste because that’s really important to consumers. What really motivates people is taste and health.” 

It was pointed out that technology has the opportunity to play a role in helping to make cooking easy, entertaining and fun, some great examples mentioned included Belly Bugs and Remy.  

Influence through example 
It was highlighted that there aren’t enough positive role models in this space, we need food champions who can inspire others by example.   

Whilst a number of people raised concerns over the removal of kitchens and lack of food education in schools, it was positive to hear about the work that is happening to incorporate food education into other subjects such as Geography.  FoodCycle’s meals in schools were also highlighted for the positive impact they are having on children and their families’ attitudes towards healthy food.  

The power of community
The benefits of community dining were mentioned numerous times.  Several panellists praised the impact of initiatives like FoodCycle community meals, where people come together to eat, learn, and connect without judgement. 

Panellists agreed that these types of community spaces are a vital ingredient in long-term behaviour change.  Sophie Tebbetts said: “I would love to see much more of an emphasis when we’re talking about food strategies, about that social side and social connection in terms of inspiring change.” 

Collaboration and action to create change
While supporting individual change is important, the panel agreed that the real work lies in transforming the broader food environment.  This isn’t just about individuals, a collective effort is needed from all angles – from food industry, businesses, government, public sector, data analysts and charities like FoodCycle to help advocate and innovate for change in our food system, and empower people to make more sustainable food choices. 

Ideas included consistency in food companies reporting on their data and making it mandatory, a more joined up and holistic approach to nutrition and environmental impact, having clear definitions of what is healthy, investing in infrastructure to support more community spaces, looking at policy and sharing insights across sectors. 

It was also highlighted how companies and individual can make an impact by normalising meal sharing, championing community dining, act as a role model and support food and community projects who are working to create change.  

You can listen to the full recording of the event or download the full transcript. 

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Not all heroes wear capes, some rock an apron and hairnet and whip up a mean pasta bake...

Join our volunteer team and help cook, serve or simply lend a hand. Whether it’s chopping veggies, plating up meals or washing up, it all makes a difference.

Join us for a Summer of Peas & Love. 🫛❤️

Do good, feel good, volunteer with us this summer.

Head to the link in the bio to register and have the best summer ever.

#SummerGoals #SummerVolunteers #Community #CommunityKitchen #FreeMeal #FoodCycle

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Not all heroes wear capes, some rock an apron and hairnet and whip up a mean pasta bake...

Join our volunteer team and help cook, serve or simply lend a hand. Whether it’s chopping veggies, plating up meals or washing up, it all makes a difference.

Join us for a Summer of Peas & Love. 🫛❤️

Do good, feel good, volunteer with us this summer. 

Head to the link in the bio to register and have the best summer ever. 

#SummerGoals #SummerVolunteers #Community #CommunityKitchen #FreeMeal #FoodCycle

🎾 A huge shoutout to our friends at Danone for treating some of our amazing volunteers (and a few staff too!) to an unforgettable day at Wimbledon 💚

On 5th July, a group of lucky volunteers from all over the country were picked in a random draw and got to enjoy top tennis action plus a tasty lunch and afternoon tea.

We’re so grateful to Danone for recognising the time, care and energy our volunteers give every week. You are the heart of FoodCycle and we love being able to say thank you in fun and meaningful ways like this.

Here’s to more memories, more meals and more community 💫

#FoodCycle #ThankYouDanone #Wimbledon

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🎾 A huge shoutout to our friends at Danone for treating some of our amazing volunteers (and a few staff too!) to an unforgettable day at Wimbledon 💚

On 5th July, a group of lucky volunteers from all over the country were picked in a random draw and got to enjoy top tennis action plus a tasty lunch and afternoon tea.

We’re so grateful to Danone for recognising the time, care and energy our volunteers give every week. You are the heart of FoodCycle and we love being able to say thank you in fun and meaningful ways like this.

Here’s to more memories, more meals and more community 💫

#FoodCycle #ThankYouDanone #Wimbledon

PROJECT HIGHLIGHT

Well done to the fantastic team at FoodCycle Weoley Castle for another warm and welcoming community meal 💚

This week, they served 22 guests, welcomed a brand new hosting volunteer, and dished up a delicious three-course menu featuring:
🥣 Roasted cauliflower and fennel soup
🍅 Ratatouille with mash and side salad
🍊 Orange drizzle cake

We also want to give a huge shout-out to Jacky, who hit an incredible milestone of 400 volunteer hours! Thank you for your dedication and the difference you continue to make every week 🎉

If you’re in the Weoley Castle area, head to St Gabriel’s at 4pm on Tuesdays for a free meal, good chat and a warm welcome.

Thinking about volunteering? Sign up here via the link in the bio.

#Volunteering #FoodCycle #WeoleyCastle #FreeMeal #WestMidlands #ThreeCourseMeal

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PROJECT HIGHLIGHT

Well done to the fantastic team at FoodCycle Weoley Castle for another warm and welcoming community meal 💚

This week, they served 22 guests, welcomed a brand new hosting volunteer, and dished up a delicious three-course menu featuring:
🥣 Roasted cauliflower and fennel soup
🍅 Ratatouille with mash and side salad
🍊 Orange drizzle cake

We also want to give a huge shout-out to Jacky, who hit an incredible milestone of 400 volunteer hours! Thank you for your dedication and the difference you continue to make every week 🎉

If you’re in the Weoley Castle area, head to St Gabriel’s at 4pm on Tuesdays for a free meal, good chat and a warm welcome.

Thinking about volunteering? Sign up here via the link in the bio. 

#Volunteering #FoodCycle #WeoleyCastle #FreeMeal #WestMidlands #ThreeCourseMeal

A huge thank you to Jane and her brilliant "Ladies that Picnic" for coming together to support FoodCycle during The Big Lunch 💚

Jane hosted a wonderful afternoon filled with community spirit, delicious vegetarian dishes, a quiz, a raffle and even original artwork for sale, all to raise vital funds for our work.

We’re so grateful to Jane and everyone who came along. Your generosity and creativity help us bring people together over food, one meal at a time.

#TheBigLunch #FoodCycle #CommunitySupport #Wardley #Swinton

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A huge thank you to Jane and her brilliant "Ladies that Picnic" for coming together to support FoodCycle during The Big Lunch 💚

Jane hosted a wonderful afternoon filled with community spirit, delicious vegetarian dishes, a quiz, a raffle and even original artwork for sale, all to raise vital funds for our work.

We’re so grateful to Jane and everyone who came along. Your generosity and creativity help us bring people together over food, one meal at a time.

#TheBigLunch #FoodCycle #CommunitySupport #Wardley #Swinton

Run for change in 2026

We’ve got two charity places for the iconic London Marathon and they could be yours 👟

Take on one of the world’s most famous races while helping FoodCycle fight food poverty, tackle loneliness and stop good food from going to waste 💚

Think you’ve got what it takes? Tell us why you’d love to run for us by Sunday 6 July.

📝 Apply now via the link in the bio
📌 £100 reg fee
🎯 £2,500 fundraising target

Let’s do something amazing together.

#FoodCycle #LondonMarathon #CharityPlace #RunForCharity

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Run for change in 2026

We’ve got two charity places for the iconic London Marathon and they could be yours 👟

Take on one of the world’s most famous races while helping FoodCycle fight food poverty, tackle loneliness and stop good food from going to waste 💚

Think you’ve got what it takes? Tell us why you’d love to run for us by Sunday 6 July.

📝 Apply now via the link in the bio
📌 £100 reg fee
🎯 £2,500 fundraising target

Let’s do something amazing together.

#FoodCycle #LondonMarathon #CharityPlace #RunForCharity

50 guests, a buzzing dining room and a whole lot of love in Clacton this week!

The sun was shining, the queue was full of chatter, and the energy inside was just as warm 💚

A huge shout out to newly graduated Project Leader Yvonne, who served up her first official meal made entirely from fresh surplus ingredients and nailed it! 👏

Every guest left with a grocery bag to take home, and Collection PL Chris worked his usual magic, making sure nothing went to waste. Even his chickens were happy with the scraps 🐓

Great food, great people, great Monday. Clacton, you rock!

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50 guests, a buzzing dining room and a whole lot of love in Clacton this week! 

The sun was shining, the queue was full of chatter, and the energy inside was just as warm 💚

A huge shout out to newly graduated Project Leader Yvonne, who served up her first official meal made entirely from fresh surplus ingredients and nailed it! 👏

Every guest left with a grocery bag to take home, and Collection PL Chris worked his usual magic, making sure nothing went to waste. Even his chickens were happy with the scraps 🐓

Great food, great people, great Monday. Clacton, you rock!

Looking for a feel-good gift that actually makes a difference?

Say hello to the FoodCycle merch range 💚

💚 Tote bags that carry kindness
💚 Tees and aprons that spread good vibes
💚 The perfect pressie for your foodie friend, your hosting hero or just yourself (you deserve it)

Every purchase supports our mission to feed communities, fight food waste and tackle loneliness.

Tap the link in bio to shop and gift with purpose.

#FoodCycle #ToteBag #Apron #GiftIddeas #CharityGift

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Open post by foodcyclehq with ID 18062368280470329
Looking for a feel-good gift that actually makes a difference?

Say hello to the FoodCycle merch range 💚

💚 Tote bags that carry kindness
💚 Tees and aprons that spread good vibes
💚 The perfect pressie for your foodie friend, your hosting hero or just yourself (you deserve it)

Every purchase supports our mission to feed communities, fight food waste and tackle loneliness.

Tap the link in bio to shop and gift with purpose.

#FoodCycle #ToteBag #Apron #GiftIddeas #CharityGift

No fresh food? No problem!

To the store cupboard 😁

You need to watch this and see the incredible meal our volunteers produced with store cupboard ingredients and some epic teamwork :-)

Thanks to the Mitcham team for sharing.

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No fresh food? No problem! 

To the store cupboard 😁

You need to watch this and see the incredible meal our volunteers produced with store cupboard ingredients and some epic teamwork :-) 

Thanks to the Mitcham team for sharing.

☀️ Sandwiches.
👥 Great company.
🌍 A meaningful cause.

It`s National Picnic Week, and what a brilliant moment to make your Big Lunch a picnic.

Lunch outdoors can bring your friends, family, or work team together, boost morale, and raise vital funds to help FoodCycle tackle food waste, hunger, and loneliness.

Keep it simple. Make it count.

Start planning via the link in the bio.

#NationalPicnicWeek

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☀️ Sandwiches.
👥 Great company.
🌍 A meaningful cause.

It's National Picnic Week, and what a brilliant moment to make your Big Lunch a picnic.

Lunch outdoors can bring your friends, family, or work team together, boost morale, and raise vital funds to help FoodCycle tackle food waste, hunger, and loneliness.

Keep it simple. Make it count.

Start planning via the link in the bio. 

#NationalPicnicWeek

This Loneliness Awareness Week, we’re proud to be part of something that brings people together 💚

At FoodCycle, no one eats alone. Our community meals offer food, conversation and connection because we know a friendly face and a warm plate can go a long way.

🌱 83% of guests feel happier after a meal
🤝 78% feel less lonely
🏘️ 83% feel more part of their community

A shared meal can mean so much more than just food.
It can be friendship.
Support.
A reason to smile.

Let`s tackle loneliness and food waste together.

#LonelinessAwarenessWeek #Community #BetterTogether

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Open post by foodcyclehq with ID 18067938281066591
This Loneliness Awareness Week, we’re proud to be part of something that brings people together 💚

At FoodCycle, no one eats alone. Our community meals offer food, conversation and connection because we know a friendly face and a warm plate can go a long way.

🌱 83% of guests feel happier after a meal
🤝 78% feel less lonely
🏘️ 83% feel more part of their community

A shared meal can mean so much more than just food.
It can be friendship.
Support.
A reason to smile.

Let's tackle loneliness and food waste together. 

#LonelinessAwarenessWeek #Community #BetterTogether
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    New Covent Garden Market
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FoodCycle Head Office

  • 2.16, The Food Exchange
    New Covent Garden Market
    London, SW8 5EL
  • t: 020 7729 2775
  • e: [email protected]

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  • Community Meals
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Cookie Policy

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© FoodCycle 2022

Registered charity No. 1134423
Company limited by guarantee no. 7101349

Website by me&you