Dimbleby National Food Strategy

National Food Strategy: Independent Review
Completed
Henry Dimbleby · Published 15 July 2021 · Commissioned by Defra
Health & Social Care

Independent review of the food system commissioned by DEFRA. Published in two parts (2020 and 2021), making 14 recommendations covering sugar tax, free school meals, land use, trade and food innovation.

14recommendations 14Not Yet Responded

Government Response

Government published a Food Strategy white paper in June 2022 but rejected the proposed sugar and salt tax and most structural recommendations.

13 June 2022

Recommendations

Recommendation 1
Government
Introduce a sugar and salt reformulation tax. Use some of the revenue to help get fresh fruit and vegetables to low income families.
Recommendation 10
Government
Define minimum standards for trade, and a mechanism for protecting them.
Recommendation 11
Government
Invest £1 billion in innovation to create a better food system.
Recommendation 12
Government
Create a National Food System Data programme.
Recommendation 13
Government
Strengthen government procurement rules to ensure that taxpayer money is spent on healthy and sustainable food.
Recommendation 14
Government
Set clear targets and bring in legislation for long-term change.
Recommendation 2
Government
Introduce mandatory reporting for large food companies.
Recommendation 3
Government
Launch a new "Eat and Learn" initiative for schools.
Recommendation 4
Government
Extend eligibility for free school meals.
Recommendation 5
Government
Fund the Holiday Activities and Food programme for the next three years.
Recommendation 6
Government
Expand the Healthy Start scheme.
Recommendation 7
Government
Trial a "Community Eatwell" programme, supporting those on low incomes to improve their diets.
Recommendation 8
Defra
Guarantee the budget for agricultural payments until at least 2029 to help farmers transition to more sustainable land use.
Recommendation 9
Defra
Create a Rural Land Use Framework based on the Three Compartment Model.