Health institute Sciensano has launched The Big Food Map app, a new citizen survey designed to map the supply and price of healthy food in Flanders and Brussels.
Local initiatives
The initiative invites citizens to share their insights and experiences about the food environment in their neighbourhoods. By gathering this input, Sciensano hopes to help governments create healthier and more environmentally friendly food landscapes. The health institute notes that the number of neighbourhoods with more unhealthy than healthy food options, referred to as “food swamps”, is rising.
According to Sciensano, “There is also a link between the number of fast food restaurants (chains such as McDonald’s, Burger King and KFC) and convenience stores (small supermarkets, petrol stations or local shops) in certain neighbourhoods and the number of children who are overweight.”
“For the first time, a score is being created based on the citizen’s perspective”
The survey asks participants about the availability of healthy meals in local supermarkets, the amount of advertising for unhealthy food, and whether restaurants offer healthy options or primarily fast food. It also explores local food culture and social norms with questions like “Is it normal to eat out or to cook at home?” and “Is healthy eating encouraged, or is fast food the standard?” Citizens are also encouraged to suggest changes they would like to see in their area.
“There is already a map with an overview of the average health score per area, but it is based on objective data such as the range of shops and restaurants,” Sciensano explains. “But now, for the first time, a score is being created based on the citizen’s perspective.”
The citizen survey will run for several months. Sciensano has coordinated the project in collaboration with the Institute for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Research (ILVO), Rikolto (formerly Vredeseilanden), Let Us, Artevelde University College, Leapforward, Hoplr and Het Nieuwsblad. It is financed by the Flemish Agency for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (VLAIO).
