Food and Health Alliance

What does the FHA do?

• Connects people to information by delivering up-to-date on food and health news, including what’s happening in all sectors.
• Connects people with each other across all food and health areas in Scotland. By bringing people together, we help to share information and experiences, help make links and provide a chance to network across different sectors.
• Connects people to policy by increasing the awareness and understanding of food and health policies. Our aim is to raise the profile of food and health and provide opportunities to influence policies.

The role of the FHA and its aims

Our role is to support the range of stakeholders involved in implementing a multi-sector and chain-based food and health strategy.

This range of stakeholders includes national and local government, NHS health boards, community planning, education, voluntary and community organisations, national governance organisations, research and academia, media, local enterprise companies and all food-chain organisations (primary producers, food processors and manufacturers, caterers and retailers).

The aim of supporting the implementation of national food and health policy in Scotland will be achieved by:

• stimulating effective communication between all stakeholders involved in food and health; that is relevant, efficient and engaging
• providing opportunities for debate, both online and in person
• sharing food and health evidence and information, for example promoting good practice
• promoting learning and development opportunities.

Background and policy context

The Scottish Executive's policy document Eating for Health: The Challenge (2004) stated the need to "co-ordinate action and commitment to food and health policy through improved communication and leadership". A Scottish Executive and Food Standards Agency Scotland (FSAS) action was "to ensure strong and effective engagement and interactive communication with all key stakeholders". They established the FHA in April 2005.

In 2006, economies of scale and greater opportunities for learning and development led to the FHA being managed by NHS Health Scotland (external website) while remaining in partnership with the Scottish Government and FSAS. NHS Health Scotland's involvement commenced with the recruitment of a coordinator in January 2006.

In 2008 the Scottish Government published Healthy Eating, Active Living: An action plan to improve diet, increase physical activity and tackle obesity (2008-2011), stating its commitment to retain and strengthen the FHA, ensuring a focused strategy for future activity.

Governance

The FHA reports to a Project Board Group that has representation from NHS Health Scotland and Scottish Government. A Stakeholder Group helps to advise the FHA.

Contact

The FHA is located within NHS Health Scotland, Thistle House, 91 Haymarket Terrace, Edinburgh, EH12 5HE.

You can contact us by emailing:  nhs.healthscotland-fha@nhs.net or phoning 0131 313 7500.