Projects
Access to food
In Spring 2000, we organised a seminar to review recent research projects which had focused on food access, and to discuss the question of where responsibility lies for resolving this complex issue and what solutions might be generally or locally appropriate. Following the seminar, we produced a briefing paper on the public policy and research questions that need to be addressed. Summaries of four major research projects are also presented. The purpose of the paper is to make the information shared at the seminar more widely accessible, and to add to the increasing demand for integrated, long-term and evidence-based policy making around access to food. In particular, we suggest that:
The Government has been exploring the potential for a "New Deal for Food", in particular, to promote cross-departmental strategies and guidance for promoting food access and education as a part of the bigger policy framework for tackling inequalities. The UK Food Standards Agency should be encouraged to take a lead on this as it is well-placed to promote both inter-agency and inter-sectoral activity.
The four biggest food retailers control 80% of the market, whilst the Asian community are significant local retailers. Both retailers and caterers need to be actively involved in considering the future policy options.