Food & Health Alliance

More commonly known as HEAL , this action plan from the Scottish Government has a focus on tackling health inequalities through targeted healthy living initiatives to fit into different lifestyle demands.

For early years, the focus is to improve nutrition of women of child bearing age, pregnant woman and children under 5 in disadvantaged areas.

For children and young adults at school, sports, dance, walking and healthy cooking projects will be opened up to engage young people in healthy living activities.

For workplaces, adults will benefit from interactive workplace tools which allow employees to keep track of any changes in their own weight and receive health advice.

For older people, new nutritional standards will be developed for care settings.

For communities, walking and jogging schemes will be expanded.

In partnership with Cosla, Community Healthy Weight Programmes will be led by local community champions bringing together existing healthy living schemes involving all sectors of the community.

Business communities will be incentivised to improve the supply and provision of healthier food choices, focusing on fresh produce in local neighbourhood shops particularly in low income areas and national Healthy Living Awards for retailers who provide good quality, nutritious food options.

The Food & Health Alliance is also mentioned in HEAL, to “retain and strengthen” and “ensuring a focused strategy for future activity”.