England’s food strategy: local directors of public health need to be given power and resources

The government has eventually responded to Henry Dimbleby’s comprehensive and research based review with a national food strategy that fails to address current pressing public health needs.12Although this delayed document has a few good points, there are serious omissions.It lacks sufficient time specific targets, ringfenced funding, and a robust evaluation.Key settings are missing, including hospitals and workplaces. Hospitals, for example, could have a major influence on the food choices of patients, visitors, and staff. Hospitals should be exemplars to other organisations.3In schools a food revolution is needed in which teaching about food and drink is set in the context of the whole school so that the taught curriculum is supported by healthy choices in the canteen.4 In schools and workplaces, introducing healthy food awards could encourage good practice.The strategy fails to address food poverty and the cost of living crisis. Foodbanks and free school meals are currently crucial in supporting…
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