The Regional School Food and Health Action Group (RFISAG)

The Regional Food in Schools Action Group was set up in 2007 to co-ordinate the wide range of school food initiatives and programmes within the region and ensure effective communication across agencies. The wide range of partners engaged in this network is outlined in figure 1.

Food in Schools Communication Structure
Figure 1: Food In Schools Communications Structure - West Midlands
Click the image to view a larger version of the image.

For further details on the groups involved please see the Other Groups page.

Terms of Reference

The Group will meet quarterly and will report to the regional Cross Government PSA to reduce Obesity which includes representatives from DH, DEFRA, DCFS, DCMS with co-opted members from other regional programmes and agencies e.g. AWM, WMRA as appropriate.

The Group will:

  • Take a strategic overview of food in school activity within the region
  • Establish an effective communication structure
  • Act as a communication mechanism between national organisations and localities to ensure effective communication on school food and health
  • Discuss and agree shared concerns/good practice/views within the region to feed into the School Food Trust
  • Consult and co-ordinate marketing and promotional activities and research
  • Co-ordinate and organise best practice and dissemination events within the region as required
  • Discuss food and health programmes and initiatives which impact on schools and early years settings within the region
  • Pool funding
  • Develop and deliver a regional work programme

Membership of the Group will consist of representatives from:

  • West Midlands Public Health Group - GOWM
  • Regional Food Policy Group
  • Local Authority Catering Association
  • School Food Trust
  • Regional Healthy Schools Network
  • Sustainable Schools
  • Children and Learners Group – GOWM
  • DEFRA - GOWM
  • Food for Life Partnership – Soil Association
  • Heart of England Fine Foods
  • Food Standards Agency
  • Infant Feeding Group
  • Teacher Development Agency
  • Public Procurement
  • Lets Get Cooking
  • Central England Trading Standards Authority
  • Other members to be co-opted as appropriate