This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Food Access Conference
11/06/2003
Increasing food access is the way forward to improve the
nation's diet and that barriers needed to be broken down
for Scotland's health to improve, a conference was told
today.
Speaking to delegates at the Food Access conference in
Edinburgh, Deputy Communities Minister Mary Mulligan
reiterated the link between poverty, diet and poor health
and stressed that food should be at the heart of policies
to drive forward social inclusion and regeneration.
Mrs Mulligan said: "Next to smoking, poor diet is the
most significant contributor to Scotland's poor health.
Improving our nation's health is vital and is an issue that
the Scottish Executive is taking very seriously. One of the
key areas we are focusing on is stepping up the
contribution of community-led health improvement.
"In order for the health of the nation as a whole to
improve we need to close the opportunity gap - consult,
involve and engage local communities and find solutions to
meet local problems. We are all too familiar with the
direct and unacceptable connection between poverty, diet
and poor health.
"I believe food access issues must be part of
regeneration and social inclusion policy in order to tackle
poverty, social exclusion and to reduce inequalities in
health. The way forward for all of us is now clear."
Gillian Kynoch, the Scottish Executive's Food and Health
Co-ordinator added: "Earlier this year, we launched the
Healthy Living campaign and through a series of popular TV
adverts, there is real evidence that we are starting to
make a difference to the dietary habits of the people of
Scotland.
"The campaign is taking forward the Scottish Diet Action
Plan, the key targets of which are significant reductions
in fat, salt and sugar consumption and the doubling of
fruit and vegetable consumption. But we must not forget
that it is in deprived areas where much of our work must be
focused and we must enable access to healthy choices in all
parts of Scotland in order for improvements to be
made."
Pat Watters, president of the Convention of Scottish
Local Authorities said: "As the elected tier of government
closest to the people, councils are keen to support the
health of their communities. Many already help communities
make healthy food a real option by supporting local
initiatives to improve the supply of fresh fruit and
vegetables through local food co-operatives.
"Councils are keen to make healthy food an option
because they care passionately about the health and well
being of their communities. COSLA is delighted to be
involved in supporting such a conference and looks forward
to working together in developing the outcomes."
Dr George Paterson, Director of the Food Standards
Agency Scotland added: "Today's conference has been a
valuable platform to bring together many organisations and
individuals interested in improving food access in
Scotland.
"The Food Standards Agency Scotland is committed to
working with all interested parties and listening to their
views in order to ensure everyone has the opportunity to
overcome current barriers and access a healthy diet."
The Food Access conference was organised by the Scottish
Executive in partnership with Communities Scotland, the
Food Standards Agency, Health Scotland, the Scottish
Community Diet Project and CoSLA.
Gillian Kynoch was appointed Scottish Food and Health
Co-ordinator in 2001 as part of the Scottish Diet Action
Plan. See
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/library/documents/diet-00.htm for details of the plan.
The Healthy Living Campaign was launched on 7 January of
this year. For details please see:
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/pages/news/2003/01/SEHD288a.aspx
The Healthy Living Helpline number is 0845 2 78 88 78
and the website address is
http://www.healthyliving.gov.uk