New Just Add Veg campaign encourages healthier eating across Staffordshire

A new council backed campaign is encouraging people across Stone to add more vegetables to their everyday meals, as part of this year’s Health Information Week.

The Just Add Veg campaign is being delivered by Staffordshire County Council and focuses on small, practical changes rather than major diet overhauls. The idea is simple, adding extra vegetables to meals people already enjoy.

The campaign offers a mix of everyday tips, recipes and resources designed to make healthier eating feel more achievable and affordable. Alongside this, residents are being invited to take part in a six week community challenge, pledging to eat more vegetables, with a healthy food hamper available to win at the end.

Information about the campaign is also being made available in selected local libraries and family hubs, giving people the chance to pick up advice in person as well as online.

Councillor Martin Rogerson, Cabinet Member for Health and Care at Staffordshire County Council, said small steps can have a meaningful impact.

“We know that making small changes can make a big difference,” he said.

“This campaign is about making healthy choices easier and more accessible for everyone in Staffordshire. By simply adding more vegetables to your meals, you’re taking a positive step towards better health and reduced risk of some serious health problems.”

He added that eating well does not have to be complicated.

“I always try and make sure I have a decent portion of veg with my meals and it doesn’t have to be complicated. I do enjoy roasted Mediterranean vegetables, which go nicely with lots of dishes, and of course a nice home cooked vegetable soup is really healthy and good for you.”

“I would encourage people to visit the campaign website for some great tips on healthy eating and maybe try out one of the many recipes.”

Recent figures underline why the council is focusing on everyday habits. In 2023 to 2024, just 29.4 percent of adults in Staffordshire met the NHS recommendation of eating at least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day. That compares with an England average of 31.3 percent.

Health experts consistently link higher vegetable intake with a reduced risk of heart disease, stroke and some types of cancer. Vegetables are also a key source of vitamins, minerals and fibre, supporting long term health.

The Just Add Veg campaign sits alongside wider council work aimed at supporting healthier lifestyles and helping people maintain a healthy weight. It also ties in with Health Information Week, which runs until Sunday 25 January and promotes access to reliable, high quality health information.

More details, including how to sign up to the challenge, are available via the campaign website.