Public food policies are key to changing lives—new book

Providing nutritious food to children, hospital patients and prisoners delivers multiple societal benefits, a Cardiff University academic argues.

Professor Kevin Morgan has spent more than 20 years studying the Good Food movement's impact internationally—assessing policies which seek to develop a fair, healthy and sustainable food system.

Wales occupies a unique status in the UK because it is the only nation to have delivered a Universal Free School Meals (UFSM) scheme to all primary school children. A similar policy was introduced in Scotland, but it does not yet include the final two years of primary school. The London boroughs have also adopted a UFSM for all state-funded primary schools.

The UK Labor government has declined to follow suit in England because, it says, it will introduce a Free Breakfast scheme instead.

Based at Cardiff University's School of Geography and Planning, Professor Morgan said, "Food insecurity is one of the greatest challenges that governments face. The public plate is finally being recognized for what it is—a potentially powerful instrument to deliver multiple dividends. Among other things, it is being used to promote social justice, public health and ecological integrity, the quintessential values of sustainable development."

"Children, hospital patients and prisoners have one thing in common—they are among the most vulnerable in our society. Giving them the chance to have nutritious meals isn't just good for them as individuals—it has tangible benefits for wider society, leading to better life outcomes and less of a health burden on the state further down the line."

Professor Morgan's book, "Serving the Public: The Good Food Revolution in Schools, Hospitals and Prisons," explores government attitudes to food around the world, highlighting public bodies that are endeavoring to serve good food "against the odds."

Professor Morgan added, "There is indeed a good food revolution underway in and beyond the UK, but it is a work in progress. While there have undoubtedly been great strides to address hunger and malnutrition among the most vulnerable, the Cost-of-Living crisis has meant that more urgent action is needed, particularly as we move on from the pandemic.

"It is ironic that local food groups are struggling to survive on the margins of financial viability, while working to address some of the greatest societal challenges of the twenty-first century. Their good food interventions are on the front line when it comes to combating climate change, food insecurity and the double burden of malnutrition. Persuading political elites to take food system reform seriously is vital—but it is only the beginning of a process that needs to involve everyone in the food chain, from farm to fork, if the UK is to create a more sustainable food system."

Provided by Cardiff University