National Food Strategy and Public Health

Andrew Selous highlighted the importance of soil health for nutrient-rich food and its impact on climate change. He pointed out that more than half of the food consumed in the UK is highly processed, which correlates with increased rates of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and depressive symptoms. He emphasized the need for better monitoring of school food standards and improvement in the quality of school meals to combat obesity among children.

He praised the national food strategy report and its team, noting their effort despite political changes. He criticized the government's delayed response to the report and concerns over trade policy, emphasizing that the current food system contributes to health issues like obesity and exacerbates inequalities.

Emphasised the importance of UK food production, advocating for measures to support farmers and ensure they have clarity on labour arrangements. Called for interdepartmental collaboration to encourage young people into farming careers and for timely implementation of the environmental land management scheme (ELMS). Advocated for innovation in agriculture and use of public procurement to favour British food. Highlighted the issue of food waste accounting for 10% of carbon emissions and suggested better management of free school meals.

The national food strategy is an opportunity to tackle food insecurity affecting over 11 million people in the UK. Ian highlights deep inequalities in access to nutritious food and welcomes proposals like widening eligibility for free school meals, holiday food provision, and extending the healthy start scheme. He criticises the lack of inclusion of a legal right to food and emphasises that food insecurity is due to political choices rather than predetermined occurrences.

The hon. Member highlighted the importance of the national food strategy in Northern Ireland, noting that agriculture contributed only 0.59% to UK GDP in 2020 and emphasizing the need for a resilient food system. He cited statistics showing that 37% of schoolchildren do not eat proper breakfasts and that 25% of children born in 2020 will be obese by age 25, underlining the strategy's significance in addressing public health issues. Congratulates Ian Byrne on his contribution, recognising that the National Farmers Union in Northern Ireland has committed to net zero carbon by 2050, showing their commitment without needing external pressure.

McCarthy praised Henry Dimbleby's national food strategy report, criticizing the government's initial reaction to it and calling for stronger action on junk food advertising. She highlighted the need for public procurement processes to adopt healthier food standards and questioned the status of a review on national school food standards. McCarthy also raised concerns about county farms loss and the issue of food deserts in Bristol, emphasizing the importance of supporting local food-growing initiatives. She expressed disappointment over government's rejection of proposals related to holiday hunger relief. The hon. Member requested to give way and corrected a constituency name mentioned earlier, noting that she frequently meets with Henry (presumably another MP or official).

Asked whether the curriculum should better prepare students and teach about nutrition and healthy food and cooking. He congratulated Jo Gideon on her campaigning efforts regarding food issues and acknowledged the challenges posed by the pandemic. He highlighted that children who regularly eat breakfast achieve, on average, two higher GCSE grades than those who do not. Robert also mentioned that the Institute for Fiscal Studies has shown an additional academic progress of two months in schools with breakfast clubs. He proposed using the money from the soft drinks industry levy to fund hunger-reduction programmes and suggested implementing a free school breakfast scheme pilot in England, especially in areas of high disadvantage. Asked Daniel Zeichner if she would personally lobby the Treasury to use the sugar tax for funding breakfast programs for disadvantaged pupils. Breakfast.