In 2022, Miller Research were commissioned to carry out a study on the feasibility of a local cook-freeze model of food production for Hywel Dda University Health Board. The primary aim of the project was to investigate the feasibility of Hywel Dda moving to a fully cook-freeze model of patient meal production. It also aimed to consider how the health board, operating as a regional anchor organisation, could use this model to drive wider change. Specifically, it sought to scope out opportunities to support a regional food system and underpin Foundational Economy growth. 

The research involved an extensive phase of desk-based research, the development of a research framework to identify key questions for stakeholders, and consultation with over 20 strategic stakeholders across the health board and procurement services. One of Miller Research’s core activities was the development and application of the Theory of Change (ToC), which maps out all of the individual components in stages to aid our understanding of the patient meal service for Hywel Dda. This involved considerations of the policy landscape, to stakeholder needs, inputs and resources – to outcomes and impacts. 

The research team carried out extensive desk-based research, including a financial analysis to consider the cost implications of cook-freeze provision, and an analysis of best practice examples for hospital meals provision and public sector procurement. 

The study found several opportunities to use the region’s local food system as a lever for sustainable public sector procurement. The findings of the final report covered the areas of health and nutrition, suppliers and the Foundational Economy, public sector procurement and the Foundational Economy, and the cook-freeze model itself. The findings demonstrated various routes to change to achieve a more sustainable food system. 

For more information, contact Jessica.