This week, the Health Select Committee published its conclusions from a review of the Government's public health plans.
We submitted evidence to the review, highlighting the importance of improving children’s diets in tackling public health issues. Good school food and cooking skills for all children are key starting points. We’ve also recommended that a children’s food specialist should sit on every Health and Wellbeing Board.
You can read our evidence and comments from the Commitee Chair, Rt Hon Stephen Dorrell MP, here.
School Food Trust Chief Executive, Judy Hargadon, said: “Genuine efforts from business to cut levels of fat, sugar and salt in products that are popular with children are not unwelcome, but they will only have a real impact for children’s health if children are also learning about how to make good choices, and what makes for a varied diet.
“Simply cutting the number of calories in a chocolate bar means nothing to a child – it may well be fewer calories than a well-balanced meal, but it won’t give them the nutrients and energy they need to grow and perform well; if we’re not giving them that knowledge, we won’t get anywhere.
“That’s why we continue to call for a children’s food specialist to be part of the mandatory membership of every Health and Wellbeing Board – given that the food children eat, their understanding of food and their cooking skills underpin so many of the public health problems they face today.”
