A recent report by the Food, Farming and Countryside Commission (FFCC), The False Economy of Big Food, has revealed staggering findings about the state of Britain’s food system. The report estimates that the combined costs of unhealthy food, including diet-related illnesses, environmental damage, and reduced productivity, amount to a staggering £268 billion annually – almost equivalent to the UK’s entire annual healthcare budget.
This sobering figure highlights the urgent need for a systemic shift in how we produce, consume, and think about food in the UK. At Rethink Food, we believe education is key to addressing the root causes of this crisis and building a healthier, more sustainable future.
Nathan Atkinson, Co-Founder at Rethink Food, responds:
“The findings of the Food, Farming and Countryside Commission’s report paint a stark picture of the cost of our unhealthy food habits, both in human and economic terms. At Rethink Food, we see this as further evidence that we urgently need to rethink the way we approach food in this country—starting with education, accessibility, and systemic change.
The £268 billion annual cost to the UK underscores the need for a shift from reactive measures, like treating diet-related illnesses, to proactive strategies that prevent them in the first place. This is precisely why we at Rethink Food focus on embedding health and sustainability into the education system through our Agents of Change programme. By empowering young people with the knowledge and skills to make healthier, more sustainable choices, we aim to tackle the root causes of this crisis.
Systemic change alone isn’t enough. Building a healthier future starts with fostering informed decision-making from an early age. Through initiatives like ours, we aim to support schools, teachers, and communities in creating environments where young people can thrive—because healthy choices should be easy, appealing, and available to all.
The numbers in this report are staggering, but they also reinforce the value of prevention over cure. It’s time for bold action and collaboration across government, education, and industry to create a food system that nurtures, rather than harms, our society. At Rethink Food, we’re committed to being part of this movement, working to ensure a healthier and more sustainable future for everyone.”
At Rethink Food, we’ve long advocated for the importance of prevention through education. Tackling food-related challenges begins in schools, where young people develop the habits and knowledge that shape their lives. Our Agents of Change programme equips students with the tools they need to make healthier choices, understand the environmental impact of their decisions, and embrace sustainable eating practices.
By embedding this learning into the curriculum, we aim to create a generation that is not only healthier but also more informed about the role they can play in shaping a sustainable food future. These lessons extend beyond the classroom, influencing families and communities to rethink their approach to food.
The FFCC report calls for bold, systemic action, and we agree that collaboration is key. It’s not just about government policy; it’s about fostering partnerships across education, industry, and communities. By working together, we can create a food system that prioritises health, reduces waste, and ensures accessibility for all.
At Rethink Food, we are proud to contribute to this vision by supporting teachers, schools, and young people in building healthier, more resilient communities. This work is vital, not only to mitigate the staggering costs outlined in the FFCC report but also to create a society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
