Southend-on-Sea City Council

Understanding peoples’ eating behaviours in Southend

for Local Government

In the context of rising obesity and a cost-of-living crisis, Southend-on-Sea City Council commissioned Social Engine to collect evidence and insight into residents’ eating behaviours and to identify practical opportunities to encourage healthier choices.

Our multi-disciplinary team used a variety of research methods to engage residents to explore their motivations, attitudes, knowledge and behaviours in relation to food. Alongside stakeholder interviews, focus groups and an online survey, we worked together with our partner Kaizen to conduct street interviews to reach those whose voices might otherwise be unheard.

While the majority of residents eat healthily most of the time, the evidence revealed that cost and time are significant barriers to healthy eating. Our final report set out a range of practical recommendations for the Council based on the available evidence to promote healthier choices despite rising prices.

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