Government acting to improve access to healthy food

The government has said it’s committed to making sure people from all backgrounds can get healthier food.

Public health minister Andrew Gwynne stated that since the election, the government has taken steps such as:

• supporting people on low incomes through schemes such as Healthy Start
• giving councils “stronger, clear powers” to stop fast food outlets opening near schools
• committing to the rollout of free breakfast clubs at all primary schools
• legislating to restrict junk food advertising to children

Government departments working together

Mr Gwynne also stated that his department is working with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on a cross-government food strategy.

This, he said, would “outline actions to support the food system to provide more easily accessible, healthy food to tackle obesity, helping to give children the best start in life and helping adults to live longer, healthier lives”.

Mr Gwynne added that health ministers are working closely with the Department for Work and Pensions to develop a child poverty strategy, which will be published in spring.

“Within six months of taking office, the government has begun action to improve the food environment and ensure that healthier food is available, affordable, and accessible for all, irrespective of where you live,” Mr Gwynne commented.

Help is available

If you’re struggling to pay for essentials such as healthy, nutritious food, then don’t suffer in silence.

We’ve published a handy guide on how to access a food bank and where you can find them.

We can also help you with everything from budgeting to making sure you’re getting all the benefits you’re entitled to, as well as advise you on debt solutions (some are free, for others there’s a fee).

All of our debt advice is free and impartial, and you can access it online 24/7 or over the phone during our office hours – 0161 518 8285.