Public Sector Food Procurement

Draws attention to his role as chairman of the Country Food Trust, supports the hon. Member's points, and suggests using deer meat in public sector kitchens due to its health benefits. There are more than 2 million deer in England, necessitating a cull of 750,000 to sustain that number. Mr. Walker advocates for using low-fat, high-protein meat from culled deer in dog food while addressing hunger and improving diets through imaginative approaches with schools and public sector organisations. Advocates for using venison as sustainable protein, highlighting its health benefits and sustainability. Emphasises that venison should be used in schools to provide healthy meals.

Mr. Zeichner highlighted the lack of strategic approach by the current Government towards food procurement and system change, citing that most adults and children in the UK do not meet dietary requirements. He emphasized the need for more seasonal, sustainable, and nutritious British-grown food rather than low-quality imports. The wholesale sector supplying public sector contracts is facing rising costs and inflexible budgets, leading to a decline in food quality and quantity being served.

Congratulates the hon. Member for Totnes on securing the debate, highlighting that 31% of children were overweight or obese in 2012, and argues for a balance between nutritious meals and students' enjoyment.

Congratulates the hon. Member on securing the debate, underlines the importance of schools providing local fresh produce during early years to develop lifelong tastes and habits.

Congratulated the hon. Member for Totnes on securing the debate and expressed disappointment at the delay in releasing the Government's response to public sector food procurement consultation, which closed on 4 September 2022. Called for a commitment to locally sourced and sustainable food procurement as seen in France. Mentioned potential benefits of peri-urban farming around Bristol and asked about county farms and land use frameworks. Questioned why the horticultural strategy was dropped without informing stakeholders. Raised concerns over school food standards, citing examples of teachers bringing food to hungry pupils and poor compliance with nutritional standards. Clarifies that local production does not need to be 100%, but rather 50%. Challenges the Minister by asking why a consultation was held if it is believed to be nonsense.

Congratulates the hon. Member on securing the debate, highlights a loophole in Government buying standards that allows for food not meeting UK legal standards and animal welfare requirements, and calls for closing this loophole to support British farmers. Mr. Hudson urged the Government to close a loophole that allows public sector entities to deviate from high-quality food procurement standards based on cost considerations, emphasizing the importance of maintaining animal welfare standards in food procurement.

She agreed with Anthony Mangnall's proposal to include game meat in schools and places of education, emphasizing the importance of understanding local food abundance.

Food must be integrated into long-term health, environmental, and geopolitical planning. Sarah highlighted that Somerset had 8,500 people working in food production in 2021, contributing £500 million to the rural economy. She argued for nuance recognition of small dairy farms and advocated for reforms such as using ugly fruit and vegetables, supporting local hubs like Frome Community Fridge, educating on seasonality, and promoting locally grown produce. Sarah also discussed the Programme for International Student Assessment report showing 11% of pupils miss meals weekly and called for free school meal extensions.

The UK public sector spends approximately £2.4 billion annually on food procurement, with 29% of this spend in schools and further and higher educational settings. The hon. Member highlighted the importance of nutritional standards and the need for sustainable and healthy food procurement policies. He also mentioned that infant formula prices have increased by over 25% in two years due to market concentration, impacting families during the cost of living crisis.