ADPH welcomes ‘Good Food Cycle’
Today, we have welcomed the Government’s ‘Good Food Cycle’, announced as part of its Plan for Change.
The ‘recipe’ recognises the need to make nutritious food accessible and affordable for everyone, regardless of where they live or their financial circumstances, something Directors of Public Health have long been calling for.
Greg Fell, ADPH President, said:
“Not having access to nutritious food contributes significantly to a wide range of illness and disease which can not only impact individuals’ health and wellbeing but causes absence from school and work and puts pressure on our health and care services.
“Currently, healthy food costs far more than unhealthy alternatives, which are often placed at the front of stores and subject to attractive discounts and deals which so many people today can’t afford not to take advantage of.
“Instead of continuing with the status quo of making the consumption of food that is far too high in fat, sugar and salt, cheap and easy, and then treating the illness when it comes, we need to create a society where choosing healthy food is the cheap and easy option.
The plan also addresses concerns over the impact of climate change on food production and recognises the importance of local knowledge and initiatives that can be tailored to the people and places that benefit most.
Mr Fell, who is also the Director of Public Health for Sheffield, continued:
“This isn’t just about fixing the situation facing us today. We need to build a sustainable food environment that will provide good food for generations to come and so it is absolutely right that we address the increasing impact of climate change on our food system at the same time as improving the quality of the food we are eating.
“However, to ensure this plan delivers for all communities, the Government must commit to introducing the type of hard-hitting policy that we know will successfully shift the dial. That means introducing measures like mandatory reformulation and tightening restrictions on junk food marketing, not just relying on the industry to take voluntary action, which requires sustained, joined-up action across all parts of Government – from health and education to agriculture and welfare.
“It also means giving local authorities and public health teams sustained funding and powers to enforce restrictions and drive forward community-based food initiatives so that people everywhere, regardless of their income, postcode or background, have access to the food that will help them – and the country as a whole – thrive.”