With thousands of events celebrating British food happening nationwide during the fortnight, Love British Food believes that ‘there is no better time’ to outline a vision for a healthier, more sustainable future.
Alexia Robinson, founder of Love British Food, commented: “British Food Fortnight is the perfect time to reflect on the importance of our national food strategy and what it can achieve. With the Labour Party Conference taking place during the biggest celebration of British food, we urge the new Government to focus on community, education and accessibility.
“We believe that by moving beyond simple targets and offering practical support to those working in the public sector, we can make real changes that benefit everyone – from schoolchildren learning about food to local farmers supplying nutritious British produce.”
Proposals that can be done now by Ministers within existing budgets include cross departmental collaboration, prioritising community engagement over lobbying, moving beyond targets and introducing a ‘buy British’ initiative.
Suggestions that will need a reallocation of existing budgets include food education for all, clearer food labelling and channel Government investment into promoting the benefits of eating seasonal, quality, local British food to the domestic consumer.
Possible ‘ambitious’ new proposals that will need policy amendments and budgets include free school meals for all children and investment in British agriculture. At the very least, Love British Food wants to extend free school meals to all children on universal credit and ring-fence the food allowance to ensure it is spent on high-quality nutritious food.