Barnet Council has appointed Councillor Alison Moore, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health, as the new Councillor Food Champion.

The announcement was made during the Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting on Thursday, 11 December 2025, where updates on various Task and Finish Groups (TFGs) were discussed. The report noted that Councillor Moore would be taking on the role, adding a dedicated focus to food security initiatives within the borough. The Task and Finish Group Updates included a progress update, a narrative, and cabinet responses to the Food Security TFG.

Councillor Moore's role is envisaged to have a broader remit beyond emergency food, providing strategic leadership and advocacy to improve food systems within the borough. This includes promoting a whole-system approach to food that aligns with public health, poverty reduction, healthy eating and sustainability goals. Specific initiatives will include ensuring access to culturally appropriate and nutritious food, advocating for improvements in the food environment such as advertising and sponsorship policies related to fast-food outlets, and championing the refresh and implementation of the borough's Food Action Plan initially until 2027.

The Council currently facilitates the Barnet Food Partnership, which is expected to take a leading role in these efforts.

The Food Security Task and Finish Group (TFG) has made several recommendations, including supporting the development of diverse food aid models in Barnet, such as cooperatives, community pantries, and affordable food shops, to reduce food insecurity and provide alternatives to food banks. The TFG also highlighted the urgent need for a space to utilise £50,000 of UK Shared Prosperity Funding ring-fenced for refurbishing a community space, which must be used by March 2026.

The Members of the Fast Food Task and Finish Group recommend that fast food should be considered as part of the scrutiny work programming that takes place after the local elections or in future years.

TFGs active in 2025-26 include:

  • Fast Food
  • Flats above shops
  • Emotionally Based School Avoidance
  • Young Carers