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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