The Government are currently working on several initiatives to encourage healthy eating, as outlined in the “Healthy Weight, Healthy Lives” Strategy which has already been placed in the Library. These include:
working with industry leaders and other relevant stakeholders to develop and deliver a Healthy Food Code of Good Practice;
the 5-A-Day programme, which seeks to promote increased consumption of fruit and vegetables (preferably five each day) and sits alongside other initiatives aimed at reducing the amount of foods consumed that are high in salt, fat and sugar, and further promoting a healthy diet;
liaising with schools to develop and apply schemes to incorporate healthy eating within schools and families, such as the school fruit and vegetable scheme which provides children, aged four to six, with a free piece of fruit or vegetable every day; and
a comprehensive social marketing programme called Change4Life. The Government will invite all parts of society to join the movement, designed to help people maintain a healthy weight by helping parents make healthier food choices for their children and encouraging more activity. It will work in collaboration with other Government Departments, the NHS, schools, voluntary groups, and commercial and media partners.
The Department produces and disseminates to key health professionals a “National Heatwave Plan” which has been placed in the Library and is available on the Department’s website at:
www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Publications/PublicationsPolicyAndGuidance/DH_084670
along with supportive guidance for health professionals and social care staff. Additionally, a public facing leaflet is produced providing information on how to protect yourself and vulnerable people during a heatwave. Media messages are prepared in the event of a heatwave to raise awareness of protective actions.