Only one-in-three people in Wales are eating five portions of fruit and veg a day, according to a new report.
The findings have led campaigners to call for a revamp the retail layout of major supermarkets to make vegetables more available and well promoted.
An independent fruit and veg retailer on Queen Street. The proprietor can normally be heard loudly touting his wares.
“If industry can agree to one of our policy commitments, it follows that the government will accept it. The lack of legislation in the food sector comparative to other areas is of particular concern.From seat belts to toy safety we keep our children safe but we have a blind spot when it comes to food and let it get away with outcomes that we wouldn’t allow from any other business sector,” said Food Foundation’s Robin Hinks.
Food Cardiff’s @ktfoodheaven says “How can we make sure we have veg on the corner of every street in a community?” at the #peasplease launch pic.twitter.com/yje7RxLRr2
— Food Cardiff (@fairfoodcardiff) November 7, 2016
With expert advice coming from the farming, retail, academic and government sectors, Food Foundation expect the impending departure from the EU to affect the government’s stance on food policy.
“Currently the government’s focus is on Brexit negotiations, which could present an opportunity to shape our own food standards without needing agreement of all officials in Brussels. However, the worry is that concerns about health and wellbeing could become secondary to economic issues when negotiations of new legislation take place,” Hinks said.
After a peak following a previous campaign, vegetable consumption in UK has fallen once again. (Food Foundation).
Although the campaign is focused on lower income families, students are often stereotyped for their poor diet. While changing your own diet is a good start, the Food Foundation doesn’t think it will be enough. “Individual actions can only go so far, what really needs to happen is community action,” Hinks said. “What students can do is contact their local MPs or AMs and make it clear that food policy is an issue that is extremely important to their constituents.”
Those interested in the campaign can sign up to register their support and receive email updates by visiting the Food Foundation site.