Barking and Dagenham council is working in partnership through its Good Food Plan and Food Partnership to offer support to 40 local shops to provide healthier, sustainable and diverse foods for its residents.

Last week, Da Food 4Living, a convenience store specialising in African Caribbean food, was the first cultural store in London to receive a delivery of new healthier products free of charge.

The products were sourced from international wholesaler Wanis, who have lent their support for the project. They included water crackers, low sugar peanut butter, oat fufu and sardines in spring water, delivered by delivery partner Rice Marketing.

The products were chosen by the business owner Bola Olumoroti, after consultation with her customers.

The shop is one of 40 receiving support and food through a council partnership with Rice Marketing, who are experts in helping local food businesses to thrive while offering healthier, more sustainable products to their customers.

The pilot is part of a wider council programme to shape a fairer, healthier and more sustainable food system that celebrates the borough’s heritage and diversity.

Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance, Growth & Core Services, Cllr Dominic Twomey, said: “Independent food shops are a vital part of our high streets and neighbourhoods, helping many residents get food for themselves and their families. They are also essential to our local economy in the jobs that they provide.

“We are delighted to be working with Rice Marketing on this initiative to help our local food shops to thrive and provide more of the healthier, sustainable and diverse foods our residents are calling for.”

Bola Olumoroti, owner of Da Food 4Living, says: “This project shows the little steps that customers can make to improve their health and keep them away from the doctor. The council is supporting me to stock healthier options of everyday staples which I know customers will buy once they see them in my shop. This project shows that the Council celebrates the borough’s diversity and sees us as one community. “

Businesses and residents can find out more about our Good Food Plan and Food Partnership online.