Food Convincer

It has been estimated that the environmental, social and economic costs of ‘food miles’ – including greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution, congestion and accidents – is over £9 billion.
Around 800,000 meals a day are served in hospitals
The food system accounts for over 30% of UK road freight and since 1991 this has increased by about 25%.
The NHS in England spends around £500 million on food every year – that’s 300 million meals in 1,200 hospitals
Because of the huge number of patients, staff and visitors who eat NHS food every day, the NHS is in a unique position to take a proactive approach to changing people’s eating habits – promoting a diet low in sugar, salt and fat and high in fibre.

Poor diet costs the NHS over £2 billion each year – it contributes to about a quarter of deaths from cancer, and obesity is a major factor for conditions such as hypertension, heart disease and type II diabetes
Serving and making available quality, fresh, nutritious and value for- money food, can improve patient recovery times, staff morale and staff health.
Buying locally produced, seasonal food where possible, will help educate people about the origins of food, and can have knock-on health benefits for the local community.
Labelling food and providing healthy and sustainable choices – including organic options, fair trade produce and free water – can lead to reduced food waste and improved satisfaction levels.
Investing in encouraging healthy eating will help reduce future health problems, thereby reducing future NHS costs.

Working with local small firms and social entrepreneurs to provide food helps the NHS engage with local people, and can form part of policies to improve access to healthy food for harder to reach population groups.
Households receiving benefits generally have less access to healthy food and consume less fruit and vegetables and more sugar and processed foods than other households
A happier, more cohesive community is a healthier community and people who feel engaged in society need less health care.

The food system accounts for over 30% of UK road freight and since 1991 this has increased by about 25%
The NHS could reduce the need for food transport by buying locally where possible and developing seasonal menus.
Supporting sustainable farming practices could reduce the use of pesticides, antibiotics and chemicals.
Efforts to minimise food and packaging waste will reduce landfill volume.
Transporting food causes air and noise pollution, increased emissions, the consumption of fossil fuels and leads to traffic accidents – all of which increase demands for health services, either directly or indirectly.

Every £10 spent on local organic food, generates £25 for the local economy. The same £10 spent in a supermarket generates only £14
By spending more of its food budget locally, and opening up its contracting to local suppliers, the NHS could support local economies, contribute towards local employment and play a significant role in regeneration.
In rural areas, supporting local farming will help maintain the landscape, which could promote tourism. A strong local economy makes for a healthier population and in areas of deprivation can decrease health inequalities.

Key Areas