We must do more to improve access to fruit and vegetables
4 min read
Far too many people in our country don't have enough fruit and veg in their diet. Fixing this is an urgent challenge. But using the National Food Strategy, it is one that we can rise to.
We all know the importance of fruit and vegetables in diets. As a nation, we need to do more to ensure that everyone has easy access to fruit and vegetables, and more broadly to healthier foods like wholegrains, nuts and seeds. In fact, most of the top dietary risk factors are linked to foods that we do not get enough of.
That is why one of my priorities as Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Food and Drink is to build partnerships across the industry and wider supply chain to build a resilient, sustainable and nutritious food system.
The scientific evidence is clear – what and how much we eat impacts our risk of developing a variety of diseases. The National Diet and Nutrition Survey (NDNS) shows that two-thirds of UK adults and nine out of ten children do not consume the recommended fruit and veg intake of five a day. This figure is even worse for those living in poverty. We are awaiting publication of the latest data from the National Diet and Nutrition Survey in the coming months, but it is unlikely this will have changed, and therefore, action is needed.
Fruit and vegetable intake is just one indicator. Statistics also show that obesity prevalence is higher in those living in the most deprived areas. Older people represent another vulnerable demographic, particularly those living alone or with limited mobility. For 4 out of 10 households in deprived areas without access to a car, simply going to a supermarket that sells a wide range of products can be a challenge.
With work on a new National Food Strategy ongoing, we have a real chance to deliver meaningful change to our food system. It is vital that the strategy is comprehensive and cross-departmental. Not only does that ensure the focus that food deserves, but it will enable delivery of a wide range of policies to truly drive change – from what we grow and import, to what we provide in our schools and sell in our shops.
Supporting people to add more fruit and veg to their diet is one essential element, be that fresh, frozen, tinned or juiced. The food strategy should also consider how to support and encourage companies to continue to invest and innovate to produce healthier products. For example, through support from the Scottish Government’s Reformulation programme, businesses have been provided the technical expertise to develop and successfully launch reformulated products with increased levels of fruits and vegetables within food and drink. That is a real success that I hope we can replicate across the UK.
In March, the Food & Drink APPG I chair held a roundtable discussion on driving healthier choices. Alongside making healthier food more accessible, there is a real opportunity to better signpost positive dietary choices. A refreshed, positive public health consumer-facing campaign could help signpost consumers to healthier choices, such as products containing fruit and vegetables.
As the National Food Strategy develops, it is vital to focus on cross-food chain collaboration, from how we boost the production of fruit and vegetables whilst supporting farmers, to how we ensure easy access to a diet rich in fruit and vegetables, no matter your postcode. This will take those of us in parliament and government to recognise our leadership role, and to work to bring together all of those involved in the production and distribution of food, as well as working with charities and non-governmental organisations.
I am delighted to be working with partners and businesses across the food and drink industry, including Innocent Drinks, which is spearheading a campaign to improve access to fruit and vegetables. Its CEO, Nick Canney, said that it is through teamwork and joining forces that we can champion access to fruit and vegetables as part of the National Food Strategy. Through collaboration and partnership, I am confident that we can help the nation have the healthy, balanced lifestyle that is needed.
Mike Reader is Labour MP for Northampton South and Chair of the APPG on Food and Drink.
