CLACKS COUNCIL has been recognised as one of the top performing local authorities in supporting sustainable food in the UK.

The Wee County local authority is one of only 21 councils to have been recognised out of nearly 200 that were analysed in the Every Mouthful Counts report.

The report, by charity Sustain which advocates food and agriculture policies and practices that enhance the health and welfare of people and animals, praised the council for setting up a vibrant food partnership with the Clacks Good Food Partnership.

Stuart Guzinski, Clacks Good Food co-ordinator, said: “It is fantastic to be recognised as a leader on climate and food at a national level, but there is so much more work ahead for Clackmannanshire, which is why the Clacks Good Food Partnership is aligning its Good Food Charter closely with the council’s Climate Change Strategy to meet our shared vision for food that is fair, healthy, sustainable and vibrant.”

The partnership has been working to create its Good Food Charter to improve food systems and access to good food while working with the Breastfeeding Network to improve nutrition of babies, children and families.

It also held outdoor cooking sessions for families while providing certified hygiene training along with learning opportunities for young people who want to champion food and cooking.

The partnership is offering elementary cooking, food and health qualifications as well.

Welcoming the recognition was Cllr Fiona Law, spokesperson for net zero and the environment at the council.

She said: “We are thrilled to see Clackmannanshire being recognised as a good food leader in the UK.

“Clacks Good Food Partnership has been instrumental in achieving this through its co-ordinated approach with NHS Forth Valley, CTSI, Forth Environment Link and other partners.

“The partnership’s work is fundamental to delivering on the council’s net zero targets since food system are responsible for around a third of all greenhouse gas emissions.”