The council have also demonstrated their commitment to improving residents’ health by signing the Local Authority Healthy Weight Declaration
The Good Food Local benchmarking framework supports local authorities to take action across the entire food system to help residents access affordable, healthy and environmentally sustainable food. It assesses performance across ten categories, including food governance, food poverty, sustainable agriculture and healthier food environments.
The regional award recognises a significant rise in the council’s Good Food Local North East’s benchmarking score, up from 44% to 70% in just two years, and reflects strengthened partnership working and a more coordinated, system wide approach to food in the city.
The council achieved ‘Leadership’ status in an impressive five categories: Food growing; Community food action; Addressing food poverty; Catering and procurement and Food for the planet.
They also demonstrated ‘Good Practice’ in five other areas including food governance and strategy, cash-first responses to food insecurity and school food.
The award highlights how working closely with partners, like Food Newcastle, has helped create a coordinated approach to building a healthier and more sustainable food system in the city. Work on tackling food poverty, including the commitment to the Real Living Wage and expanded holiday activities and food programmes, receiving particular recognition.
Building on this momentum, the council demonstrated a whole-council commitment to reducing unhealthy weight, tackling health inequalities and promoting a healthier food environment by signing the Healthy Weight Declaration (HWD) on 1 July 2026
The HWD includes 16 commitments covering leadership, commercial influences, promoting healthy environments and cultural shift that will create a joined-up approach to improving health and wellbeing for residents and staff alike.
Newcastle faces significant challenges with over 66% of adults overweight or obese and more than 35% of children living in poverty, both higher than the national average, and around 40,000 residents relying on food banks, underlining the importance of coordinated action to improve food security and public health.
Cllr Wendy Taylor, Cabinet Member for Integrated Health and Adult Social Care, said: “We are delighted to be recognised as the North East’s most improved council in the Good Food Local benchmarking. This achievement reflects the dedication of our staff, partners and communities, and the strength of collaboration across our city.
“Improving our food system isn’t just about what we eat, it is about tackling inequality, supporting mental wellbeing, reducing poverty and building a more sustainable future. By signing the Healthy Weight Declaration, we are demonstrating our commitment to making it easier for everyone in Newcastle to eat well and live healthier lives.”
Dr Robin Ireland, Director of Research at the Health Equalities Group, said: “The Healthy Weight Declaration recognises that creating healthier communities requires action across many different areas, from planning and transport to food access and community wellbeing.
“We are delighted that Newcastle City Council has decided to sign the declaration and demonstrate their commitment to taking a coordinated approach to improving health outcomes and reducing inequalities. This is a really important step in supporting residents to eat well, be active and enjoy healthier lives."
The Council will continue to work with partners across communities, businesses and the voluntary sector to strengthen local food networks, support early intervention, and create a food system that is fair, inclusive and resilient.
This work is part of the city’s broader commitment to placing food security, sustainability and health equity at the heart of Newcastle’s future.