Innocent Drinks has published an open letter calling for increased access to fruit and vegetables across the UK.
The letter, signed by a coalition of charities, food organisations and public health advocates, has called on the government to address the UK’s ‘fruit & veg deserts’ where over 10 million people face significant barriers to accessing fresh produce.
“It is a national scandal that in the UK, two-thirds of adults and nine out of 10 children aren’t getting their recommended 400g of fruit & vegetables per day,” wrote the letter. “This is particularly concerning when we know that a better diet can significantly improve or even reverse long-term health conditions.”
The group said that affordability and availability are exacerbating the issue of people meeting their recommended daily intake.
“Addressing the problem of “fruit & veg deserts” is crucial to improving the nation’s diet and overall health.”
The group has proposed a collaborative approach to solving this problem including local authorities, charities and the food industry and has advocated for government policies that make nutritious food more accessible.
Following the creation of the National Food Strategy, the letter has asked for Defra to work with the Department for Health & Social Care, the Department for Education, the Department for Business & Trade, and the Treasury to deliver an effective strategy on fruit & veg.
It has proposed the establishment of a national fruit & veg forum, the simplification of funding models, the launch of a community eat well programme, the increase of funding for the Healthy Start scheme in line with inflation and education on food and healthy eating in schools.
The letter was signed by Alexandra Rose Charity, Barfoots, Community Shop, Feeding Britain, Felix Project, Feast With Us, Gavin Wren, Hackney School of Food, Hubbub, IGD, innocent drinks, Joe Woodhouse, Squished and UKHarvest.
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