The House of Lords Select Committee’s “Recipe for Health” report has laid out a critical call to action, urging comprehensive reforms to tackle our nation’s public health emergency. With 150 submissions from across the food system, the report identifies clear steps that the government must take to address rising obesity, poor nutrition, and food insecurity. At Rethink Food, we are proud to stand aligned with these national policy recommendations, leading the way toward healthier food environments through education, advocacy, and community engagement.
- Comprehensive Food Strategy: A Long-Term Vision for Healthier Communities
The report calls for a comprehensive food strategy that sets clear, long-term goals for creating a healthier food system. It emphasizes moving away from the notion of individual responsibility and instead, developing an integrated plan that shifts the focus toward structural changes. At Rethink Food, we have always believed that change begins with systemic shifts. Our Agents of Change programme educates students on the environmental, social, and health impacts of food, empowering them to become advocates for healthier food systems in their schools and communities.
We are actively working to deliver 10 million hours of health and sustainability education by 2030. By integrating food education into school curriculums, we are laying the foundation for a future where children understand the broader impacts of their food choices on both their personal health and the planet.
- Mandatory Regulation: Advocating for Stronger Policies
The House of Lords report criticizes the failure of voluntary health targets and underscores the need for mandatory regulations that enforce healthier food production. At Rethink Food, we echo the urgency for stricter regulations. Voluntary efforts by the food industry have not achieved the level of impact needed to improve public health. Our advocacy work focuses on raising awareness and encouraging policymakers to introduce enforceable measures that promote healthier, more sustainable food production and distribution.
Through our school programmes, children learn about the importance of policy in driving change. From understanding why sugary snacks should be limited to learning about sustainable farming practices, we equip the next generation with the knowledge to push for change from the ground up.
- Further Research on HFSS and UPFs: Promoting Evidence-Based Education
The report emphasizes the need for ongoing research into High Fat, Salt, and Sugar (HFSS) foods and Ultra-Processed Foods (UPFs) to ensure policies are based on the latest scientific evidence. This aligns perfectly with Rethink Food’s commitment to staying at the forefront of research in food education. We integrate the latest findings into our Planet Pizza Challenge, where students assess the nutritional and environmental impact of pizza ingredients, making science-driven decisions about what goes on their plates.
This fun and interactive way of learning helps children make informed choices about their food, in line with updated health recommendations, further supporting the national goal of reducing the consumption of HFSS and UPFs.
- Healthier Food Environments: Incentivising Change
The report suggests implementing a salt and sugar reformulation levy to incentivise food businesses to produce healthier options. Rethink Food is dedicated to creating healthier food environments in schools, where children spend a significant portion of their day. We believe that reforming the food system begins with teaching children about the benefits of healthier foods through hands-on learning experiences.
Our High School Ready and Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programmes introduce children to nutritious, affordable food options, demonstrating how healthier choices can be accessible to all.
- Advertising Bans: Protecting Children from Unhealthy Influences
One of the report’s most forward-thinking recommendations is the introduction of advertising bans on unhealthy foods across all media. This would protect children from the pervasive influence of HFSS food advertising. At Rethink Food, we are already combating this issue at the source, by educating young people on how marketing influences their food choices. Through workshops and assemblies, we teach students to be critical of the advertisements they see and to prioritise health over marketing hype.
By fostering this awareness, we contribute to the wider goal of reducing the influence of unhealthy food advertising, empowering children to make smarter, healthier choices.
- Maternal, Infant, and Child Nutrition: The Power of Early Intervention
The report also calls for a strategy focused on maternal, infant, and child nutrition, advocating for auto-enrolment into Healthy Start schemes and ensuring compliance with school food standards. Rethink Food’s educational programmes directly support this recommendation.
Early intervention is key to shaping lifelong habits, and our work in schools ensures that children develop a strong foundation in nutrition and health, setting them up for a healthier future.
Rethink Food is not just aligned with the national policy changes recommended by the House of Lords; we are at the forefront of driving this transformation. By integrating our Agents of Change programme into schools, we are shaping a generation of informed, empowered students who will lead the charge for healthier, more sustainable food systems.
Together, with policy reform and community education, we can create healthier food environments, promote health equality, and support a future of Healthy People, Healthy Planet.
Nathan Atkinson, Co-Founder at Rethink Food said:
“At Rethink Food, we believe that by working together – from government to schools and local communities – we can address the public health emergency and build a healthier future for all. Join us in this mission by bringing the Agents of Change programme to your school or community.”
You can read the full report here.
