Earlier this week, politicians from across the political spectrum came together to debate the impact of food and diet on obesity. It was a powerful discussion that highlighted the scale of the challenge and the wealth of solutions that the Government can build upon to create a healthier and fairer food system for all.
MPs emphasised the devastating consequences of obesity, not just on individual health but on the NHS and the economy, and called for a comprehensive strategy, as outlined in the recent House of Lords Food, Diet and Obesity Committee inquiry report.
We were delighted to hear MPs championing the need to make fresh fruit and veg more affordable and accessible, especially for families on low incomes. This is at the core of our mission, and we were deeply proud that our Rose Vouchers for Fruit & Veg projects were highlighted as an example of good practice by three MPs.
Ben Coleman MP shared how our work in Chelsea and Fulham is helping children meet their “5-a-day” target, with 64% achieving it within six months up from just 7% at the start of the project. He urged the Government to use revenue from a proposed sugar and salt tax to scale successful projects like ours nationally.
Jim Dickson MP reflected on how our work in Lambeth has transformed families’ health by replacing unhealthy foods with fresh fruit and veg, while Ian Byrne MP celebrated the £300,000 worth of fresh fruit and veg bought by nearly 5,000 people in Liverpool with Rose Vouchers.
Their messages were clear: local solutions like Rose Vouchers are having a transformative impact. But to truly tackle obesity, we need Government support to expand and scale these initiatives.
Call to Action:
Now is the time for bold leadership. We urge the Government to prioritise funding for local projects like ours, ensuring every family can access healthy, affordable food. Together, we can turn the tide on obesity and build a healthier future for all.