The case for a Good Food Bill
Over 100 organisations, led by NGOs The Food Foundation, Sustain and Green Alliance, and including supermarkets and food businesses are calling for a Good Food Bill (to be referred to as the Bill) to create the necessary statutory framework to prevent the repeat of past ‘food’ failures by reorienting the UK's food system and provide certainty for citizens, farmers, growers, businesses and investors alike.
In our latest ‘thought piece’ we look at the evidence for the Bill, what it could contain, and what it would mean.
The UK faces several well documented food challenges including high levels of insecurity, rising costs, declining domestic production, and increased health issues (including levels of obesity):
12% of households struggle to access adequate food; 15% among households with children (Food Foundation, 2026);
Food inflation has remained higher than overall inflation since March 2023;
The cost of a basic, nutritionally adequate shopping basket increased by 33% over four years;
Domestic fruit and vegetable production has fallen 16% since 2015;
UK produces only 17% of consumed fruit and 55% of vegetables (Detra, 2024).
Other parts of our food system are also under threat due to the impact of climate change and risks including cyber-threats.
So, why a Good Food Bill now?
We’re still awaiting the publication of the Government food strategy. The Policy paper published in July last year, didn’t set out any legislative powers. Yet press speculation suggested a commitment to a ‘White Paper’ - which may have led to future legislation and regulation –was removed due to the fear of cost being passed onto consumers – not a good look in a cost of living crises, and a clear example of the power of the Food lobbyists.
Current policies are non-binding and lack any legal obligation. Legislation – potentially in the form of the Bill – could provide the regulatory certainty, set out the clear direction, and ensure the long-term commitment to food system improvements.
The Bill would support two core and complementary objectives:
1. To secure a resilient domestic supply of nutritious food produced in ways that support environmental sustainability, so that farmers and growers, businesses, investors and consumers can all cope better with shocks;
2. To reshape England’s food supply and food environment where affordable, nutritious, and sustainably produced food becomes the default and the most accessible choice for everyone.
Together, these cover the full food system and could potential help prevent any future cost-of-living crises driven by food price shocks, while supporting economic growth, public health and food security.
What would the Bill contain and what would this mean?
Proposed components include:
Three legally binding targets:
Reduce childhood obesity and narrow the gap by 2050.
Increase fruit and vegetable consumption among children and domestic supply by 2040.
Reduce household food insecurity by 2035.
Targets would be enforceable; governments would need to act and could be challenged if they do not meet them.
a Reference Diet to unify government standards for healthy, sustainable eating.
Linking existing standards for businesses and create coherent policies for health and environment.
Clear goals, accountability, and oversight to ensure progress and prevent policy incoherence.
What could this mean?
Save the NHS £5.3 billion annually from obesity reduction and a further £706 million from increased fruit and veg intake,
Improved household food security,
the creation of Good Food Action Plans - published every five years setting out how governments will meet the targets.
Food is incorporated into local plans - so Local Authorities support national goals and strengthen local food systems.
Government Ministers consider the targets and reference diet when making decisions that affect food, including health, agriculture, planning and trade.
Independent oversight - to ensure delivery and accountability.
This article is based on the Good Food Bill report.
A Government food strategy – is welcome – but without any supporting legislative powers, the food system transformation needed just won’t happen. You can sign the Food Bill Statement 2026.
Next Food Alliance meeting takes place on Tuesday 28th April. You can sign up now.
