The UK government has launched a new framework aimed at driving a generational change in the nation’s relationship with food.   

The ‘Good Food Cycle’ identifies 10 priority outcomes needed to build a “thriving” food sector while tackling challenges from rising obesity rates to climate change impacts on production.

Key outcomes to create a “good” food cycle include:   

• An improved food environment that supports healthier and more environmentally sustainable food sales.    
• Access for all to safe, affordable, healthy, convenient and appealing food options.     
• Conditions for the food sector to thrive and grow sustainably, including investment in innovation and productivity, and fairer more transparent supply chains.  

“Food security is national security – we need a resilient food system that can weather any storm while ensuring families across the country can access affordable, healthy food,” says Minister for Food Security Daniel Zeichner.    

“The Good Food Cycle represents a major milestone. We are actively defining the outcomes we want from our food system to deliver a whole system change that will help the amazing businesses that feed our nation to grow and thrive, which means more jobs and stronger local economies, while making it easier for families to eat and feel better.   

“This isn’t just about what’s on our plates today, it’s about building a stronger food system for generations to come, supporting economic growth, health and opportunity as part of our Plan for Change.” 

Good Food Cycle is backed by the likes of Sainsbury’s, a member of the government’s Food Strategy Advisory Board – the sole retailer involved.

“Britain’s food system should be a powerhouse of economic growth, innovation and job creation, but in the face of ongoing and significant challenges, we need to work with bold ambition, commitment and focus to secure its’ future,” says Sainsbury’s CEO Simon Roberts.

“The government’s Good Food Cycle is a positive step towards building a more resilient food system and that ensures food in the UK is consistently healthier, more sustainable and more accessible to all for generations to come.

“The real work starts now. To unlock growth and build a UK food system that works for everyone, we will need to work with pace, passion and focus across government and industry to seize this opportunity.”