Food for Life
Transforming food culture
in Scotland
Angela Mitchell
SSN Quarterly, December 2012
Agenda
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Food for Life Scotland - overview
Innovation – Edinburgh & Copenhagen
Ken Campbell, North Ayrshire Council
Q&A
Soil Association
• Founded in 1946
• Membership charity – healthy, humane and
sustainable food, farming and land use
• Charity owns Soil Association Certification Ltd
(social enterprise)
www.soilassociation.org/scotland
Everyone should have
access to food that is
good for them, and for
the planet
Food for Life: a history
Food for Life Scotland
Aim
To transform food culture in
Scotland so we can all eat food that
is good for us, our communities and
our planet.
Outcomes
 Support local enterprise
 Improve wellbeing &
attainment
 Increase environmental
sustainability
Fresh food you can trust
Achievements so
far…
Highland Council – Bronze
aiming for Silver, 9000
primary meals/day
Stirling Council –
Bronze aiming for Silver, 2000
primary meals/day
East Ayrshire Council – Gold,
5000 primary meals/day
5% of school meals in
Scotland are currently
certified
Our Vision…
 Local Authorities
 Schools & nurseries
 Universities & FE
Colleges
 Hospitals/healthcare
 Tourism & Leisure
 Workplace canteens
20% increase year on year in
certified meals eaten
Engagement
Farmers, Producers & Suppliers
Procurement
Caterers
Sustainability
Consumers
Education
Staff
Sustainability & Food
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Climate Change
Waste Reduction
Pollution
Energy
Carbon
Water Scarcity
Land Use
Biodiversity
Soil
• Food Safety
• Food Access &
Affordability
• Resilience
• Population Growth
• Competition for Food
• Trust & Confidence
Environment
Health
Food
Security
Economic
Growth
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Wellbeing
Public Health
NHS Cost
Education
Competitive workforce
Nutrition
• Employment & Skills
• Economic Security
• Productivity &
Efficiency
• Healthy workforce
• Innovation
• Energy Use
Policy Context
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The National Food and Drink Policy
Public Duties Guidance
Sustainable Procurement Action Plan
Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2006
The Schools (Health Promotion & Nutrition) Act 2007
The Obesity Strategy (2010)
Sustainability enshrined in the SOA & National
Outomes
• The Sustainable Procurement Bill
• Catering for Change
Opportunities
Curriculum for Excellence
– Health & Wellbeing
– New learning opportunities…linking food & lunch
– Wider school community engagement
Be a Pioneer!
Consumer Insights and Food Trends – people want
better quality fresh food!
Benefits
• Supporting local economy/community
• Increased health & wellbeing
• Increased environmental sustainability
Increased uptake
• Improved income
• Healthier, happier customers
Independent endorsement
• Customer reassurance
Strong marketing tool
• Added value to menus
PR value
• Pioneering the scheme in Scotland
• Enhanced reputation/CSR
On the right path…
“There’s a real business benefit – both in terms of driving up standards of
the food being served and supporting local producers. But we’re also raising
awareness of what we eat and how it is produced. The food we consume and
produce helps to define our nation, impacting on our health and our
environment.
“So I would urge everyone involved in sourcing food for our public sector to
look carefully at Scotland’s fantastic larder and the incredible variety on
offer. With a wealth of fine produce on our doorstep, nobody should have to
settle for second best.”
Richard Lochead, November 2012
Get in touch…
Name: Angela Mitchell
Job title: Food for Life
Scotland Manager
T: 07917-671869
E: amitchell@soilassociation.org
www.soilassociation.org/scotland
SoilAssocScot
Food for Life on film…
Stirling Council