25 February 2026
100+ coalition unite in calling for landmark Good Food Bill
More than 100 organisations, including supermarkets, food businesses and investors have joined forces to call for the introduction of a Good Food Bill.
Led by The Food Foundation, Sustain and Green Alliance, they have warned the government that a failing food system is a threat to national security and public health.
Today's statement, also supported by dozens of NGOs and academics, comes as polling finds:
- 69% of people think the government should be doing more to ensure everyone can afford and access healthy food
- 65% of people support a 'Food Bill' that would introduce duties and targets on government bodies to make healthy food more accessible and affordable
Given the unprecedented challenges posed by biodiversity loss, the collapse of vital ecosystems, and the potential of food shortages and additional rises in food prices, we believe a Good Food Bill offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the government to protect citizens, farmers and food businesses.
Anna Taylor, Executive Director at The Food Foundation, believes a Good Food Bill would transform the food system for generations to come.
"Governments can achieve important wins within a single term, but only legislation can lock in change, providing certainty and protecting progress from shifting political priorities," she said.
"With food strategies and legislation already in place across the devolved nations, this is a timely opportunity for Westminster to introduce legislation that benefits the whole UK.
"We are calling on the Government to seize this moment, commit to new primary legislation and lead the change needed to build a food system fit for the future."
Businesses including Marks & Spencer, Danone, Co-op Group, Bidfood, The Compleat Food Group and major caterers Elior and Sodexo have joined health organisations and NGOs in calling for a Good Food Bill.
Andrew Clappen, Director of Food Technology at M&S Food, said: "To ensure national food security, we need a strong cross-Government commitment which is supported by industry to increase domestic food supply.
"We support this call for a Good Food Bill, to refocus our national approach to build sustainable supply chains, increase investment in climate resilience and support farmers and growers to put nutritious food on our plates."
Logos of some of the Joint Statement signatories
We believe citizens should be at the heart of food policy decisions given they live with the consequences on a daily basis. Here's what some of the Food Ambassadors we work with think about a Food Good Bill.
Glory, Food Ambassador and mother in Glasgow
"From experience, I know how hard it can be to eat healthy when there are just a few pounds in your pocket. A Food Bill is important because food justice is not optional, it is not a personal choice, rather it is essential for healthy and a fair society.
"A Food Bill would create access to affordable and healthy food, protecting vulnerable families, and reducing inequality. It would eliminate rising food prices and food poverty which make healthy eating impossible."
Penny, a mother and grandmother in Newcastle
"Right now in the UK, it’s impossible to eat healthily when you have little or no money. Food prices have stayed high for as long as I can remember. When I go shopping, I have to shop around, I have to think about buying bulk, and this takes time. I’m lucky I have someone who can drive me most the time, but many don’t and then you’re really stuck. And I know what that’s like too: if you’re taking the bus then you have to pay for that and then how are you going to carry everything home?
"Politicians don’t see these everyday struggles – they keep speaking about growth but only for people who’ve already got money in their pockets. A Food Bill would make me trust them more and believe they are taking food insecurity seriously. But I’ll wait until I see action, not just words."
Jo, Food Ambassador in London
"Healthy food should be a basic right, not a privilege. During the cost of living crisis, no one should have to choose between feeding their family and buying food that supports their mind and body, yet many people in the UK are forced to do exactly that every day. A Food Bill is needed to fix a broken system that makes nutritious food inaccessible and unaffordable, so everyone has a fair chance at a healthy life, now and for future generations. Introducing a Food Bill would demonstrate the Government’s commitment to UK farmers, producers and businesses by prioritising a resilient, local food supply.
"It would also show that people’s voices are being heard, creating policies that future-proof livelihoods and support sustainable, home-grown food production. Legislative targets to reduce obesity and food insecurity are essential to future-proofing the UK food system. Clear policies that producers and retailers must adhere to would increase accountability across pricing, clearer labelling, food waste and accessibility, from levies on excess food waste to fairer pricing for families on minimum wage and Universal Credit. Together, these measures would support better health outcomes, reduce financial pressure on households, and protect the environment."
Rushda, a Food Ambassador and Sixth Form pupil in Halifax
"I think 69% of the public agree the government should do more because too many families are struggling to afford healthy nutritious food, even though food is extremely essential to everyday life. For young people like me, a Food Bill would mean growing up in a system where healthy food is the norm, not a privilege. A Food Bill is important to me because it would turn promises into long-term action, helping reduce food insecurity, tackle obesity, and make sure everyone can access nutritious food regardless of their income."
Nausheen, Food Ambassador and school pupil in Belfast
"As a young person, I have witnessed the lack of healthy and improper intake of food affect the focus and concentration of my classmates. With over 44% of students held back by malnutrition, unable to focus or achieve their goals, this bill has the power to be truly life-changing."
Joyce, Food Ambassador and school pupil in Nottingham
"As a Food Ambassador, a Food Bill is important to me because it formally secures government commitment to food access and nutrition. It moves support beyond discussion and into action, holding the government accountable to implement the policies and systems needed to ensure affordable, nutritious meals are accessible to everyone. This legislation is a critical step in making food equity for all a reality."
Yusuf, Food Ambassador and school pupil in London
"I believe 69% of the public think the government should do more because access to healthy food is no longer guaranteed for many families. A Food Bill would show that the government is serious about long-term solutions, not short-term fixes, by making food security, health and fairness a legal priority. As a Food Ambassador, this matters to me because no child should grow up hungry or excluded due to circumstances beyond their control, and clear legislative targets are essential to tackling obesity and food insecurity in a lasting, accountable way."
