The Good Food Fund

The challenge

Access to good food is an important driver of health and wellbeing and poor diets can lead to obesity and related health challenges. In low-income areas there is often a lack of healthier food options that are affordable and convenient for people. Children in these neighborhoods experience high rates of obesity. Indeed, three in ten children in the most deprived areas of England are currently obese, according to research from urban health foundation, Guy’s and St Thomas’ Charity.

Our approach

We are working with expert partners Guy’s and St Thomas’ Charity, fund manager, Ascension, and food business accelerator, Mission Ventures.

Together we are providing financial support and business expertise to healthier challenger food brands to allow them to scale, leading to changes in food environments, including in low-income areas.

The fund

A £1.8 million fund with an associated business accelerator programme, providing equity, debt and expertise to invest in up to 14 brands looking to tackle childhood obesity.

• Fund size

  £1.8 million

• Big Society Capital commitment

  £1.1 million