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While there have been recent attempts to produce a national food strategy, the role of surplus food redistribution has so far been overlooked in this discussion.

Our food system touches so many parts of our economy and our society that such a strategy must be wide-ranging. Setting out a comprehensive vision covering the entire food chain, from field to fork and beyond, is not an easy feat. This is precisely the reason that any strategy must be ambitious and must include all parts of the food system, including surplus food redistribution.

The 2021 National Food Strategy, commissioned by Defra and led by Henry Dimbleby, included the environmental impact of food production and the challenges of food security within its terms of reference. However, the resulting recommendations included little focus on the role of surplus food redistribution in tackling these issues.65

The Government’s 25 Year Environment Plan highlights the need for surplus food redistribution. Defra’s guidance on dealing with surplus food likewise recognises the important role of redistributing food that is still fit to eat.66 It’s vital that our National Food Strategy is aligned with these and other policy documents.

Recent events, including global instability, the changing climate and the rising cost of living only serve to emphasise the need for a fully joined-up, comprehensive national food strategy to be in place.

We urge the government to revisit this work, updating its strategy to be more ambitious, bringing together policy in related areas and including a clear role for surplus food redistribution. 

What would it cost?

This work would form part of the Government’s day-to-day business, requiring no extra funding.

References

65

Dimbleby, H. (2021) National Food Strategy: Independent Review. Available at: https://www.nationalfoodstrategy.org/

66

Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs and Gove, M. (2018) A Green Future: Our 25 Year Plan to Improve the Environment. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/25-year-environment-plan

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