// BBC BUSINESS NEWS — FINANZA
Funding to help more people access healthy food
Five local authorities in Hull and Lincolnshire will each receive £222,000 to help people overcome challenges accessing healthy food
People in Hull are facing a "stark" challenge when it comes to accessing healthy food, the leader of the city's council says.
The local authority and four from Lincolnshire are among 45 in England that will each receive £222,000 from the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) to help improve access to healthy and affordable food.
The authorities were chosen after being identified as having the greatest levels of deprivation and childhood obesity.
Councillor Mike Ross, leader of Hull City Council, said: "It can be incredibly difficult for some people to get the healthy food they need. So, anything that helps tackle those barriers is really important."
DEFRA said the Good Food Neighbourhoods funding could support schemes such as community food shops and mobile greengrocers, as well as helping local authorities strengthen their capacity to plan for and meet local food needs.
The National Child Measurement Programme, external for the school year 2024/25 shows 10.2% of children in reception year (aged 4-5) in Hull had a BMI status of obese, while in Year 6 (aged 10-11) that figure was 19%.
Those figures are above the national average, external.
Ross added: "This whole picture demonstrates there is severe need here.
"Of course, this funding will help tackle that, building on the work that's already taking place and wanting to work with not just the council but with local communities and groups across the city to make sure everything is done to support local residents."