14 May 2025
Five key takeaways from Scotland's new food policy plans
Scotland's Programme for Government: Taking Steps Forward on Food Policy by Food Foundation Public Affairs Lead Joss MacDonald with contributions from Food Ambassadors Jacob and Glory
The recently announced Programme for Government in Scotland represents progress in addressing food security, sustainability, and social justice.
While many details are yet unclear, it seems we are seeing further promising advances in Scotland compared to initiatives emanating from the Westminster Government.
Building Scotland's Food Capacity
Historically, Scotland has always done a better job than the rest of the UK in championing its food production – not least because of how many of its famous foodstuffs and beverages are linked to its sense of national identity.
The SNP Government’s programme includes a financial commitment to Scotland's food sector, with £5 million allocated to the national food and drink strategy and another £5 million supporting food processing and marketing capabilities.
We very much hope that this investment will be strongly linked with both bold health and sustainability outcomes – the former of which seems wholly absent from the Programme for Government.
There is however a commitment to reformed direct support payments for farmers that prioritise sustainable food production as well initiatives to create opportunities for new entrants to farming on public land.
It is important that increased sustainable food production focuses on fruits, vegetables and pulses. Increasing domestic production of these would improve food security and reduce reliance on imports, especially in the face of climate change and supply chain disruptions.
Scotland's programme demonstrates an understanding that food policy connects to multiple sectors. Biodiversity targets and £36 million investment in climate justice should be welcomed.
Progress on Good Food Nation Implementation
Following the Good Food Nation Bill, the Scottish Government with plans to present the draft Good Food Nation Plan to Parliament this summer.
The written programme for Government includes the establishment of the Scottish Food Commission, which in fact has existed since 2024.
Governments’ conception of food as a political subject in its own right should be hugely welcomed, and is at the UK level with a food strategy t hat is being led by DEFRA, which although technically covering the whole of the UK, will most likely have an England focus which is where DEFRA is primarily focused.
Addressing Child Food Poverty
The SNP programme includes several measures focused on child poverty, and resultant child food insecurity. The Scottish Government has also committed to addressing the impact of the two-child benefit limit, although details are not yet forthcoming.
The Resolution Foundation estimates that abolishing the limit would lift half a million children out of poverty across the UK.
The commitment to transfer 700,000 people to Social Security Scotland from the DWP represents an administrative shift that could potentially create more responsive welfare systems, though success will depend on implementation.
Child Nutrition
Free school meals have already been expanded to the first five years of primary school in Scotland, and further funding for breakfasts through the “Bright Start Breakfasts” builds on that.
However, there must be a parallel focus on the quality of both school lunches and school breakfasts which must deliver suitably nourishing food to school children to ensure the best health and educational outcomes.
With regards to Government policy however, Scotland has long been recognised as having a comprehensive approach to breastfeeting.
The Becoming Breastfeeding Friendly research project has previously recognised Scotland’s “strong political commitment to breastfeeding evidence by effective leadership, strong policies and significant investment”.
It is worth that Scotland's Best Start Foods programme outperforms the Healthy Start scheme in the rest of the UK through its more streamlined application process with automatic eligibility assessments as well as higher payment values – Best Start Foods recipients receive £5.40 per week (£10.80 for a child under one year old) while Healthy Start recipients only receive £4.25 per week per week £8.50 for a child under one year old).
Room for Further Progress
While Scotland's Programme for Government takes some encouraging steps forward on food policy compared to current UK-wide approaches, significant challenges remain.
Food insecurity continues to affect many Scottish households, and systemic issues around poverty, inequality, and sustainability require ongoing attention.
Rates of childhood obesity also remain higher in Scotland than in England – the most recent data for 2023/24 shows that 12.5% of children in the most deprived quintile in England have obesity during their first year of school, compared with 14% for the same group in Scotland.
Absent from the Programme for Government is anything on restrictions of promotions on and placement of foods that are high in fat, sugar and salt, as exists in England and Wales.
Although there was a consultation on the matter in 2024 but no legislation has been brought forward yet. It is disappointing has not appeared in this year’s Programme for Government.
The effectiveness of the Scottish Government’s initiatives will therefore depend on strong implementation, cross-Government, meaningful engagement with affected communities and of course, adequate funding.
It is worth noting that the Scottish Government’s block grant, which accounts for most of its budget, is ultimately determined by Westminster.
Jacob, 20, Glasgow
"The government can ensure its policies support Scotland’s most disadvantaged communities by truly listening to the people living in them. As someone from one of these areas, I know how tough it is for others to understand our daily struggles. Issues like the lack of universal free school meals, the impact of the two-child benefit cap, and poor access to healthy, affordable food affect real families every day.
"As a young kid who received free school meals, I saw firsthand how some meals lacked quality and variety. For this to work, the food must be nutritious, appealing, and consistent—because in communities like mine, it really matters. By involving communities in shaping policies—like school meal quality or breakfast provision—we can create solutions that actually work and bring real, lasting change where it’s needed most."
Glory, Glasgow
"As a parent, it’s heart-breaking to have to choose between heating our homes and feeding our kids healthy meals. The support system are too complicated and full of barriers. Policymakers need to understand how exhausting poverty is. Poverty isn’t inevitable, it’s a pollical choice and can be prevented if prioritise. However, Scotland has made progress, but the gap between policy ambition and lived reality remains too wide.
"Without addressing the root causes, e.g. inequality, education and housing, we will continue to see the same outcome time after time. To really support disadvantage communities, government policies must be rooted in loved experiences. Meaning listening to people directly impacted by poverty and designing programs with their input. One-size-fits-all policies don’t work."
Joss joined the Food Foundation in June 2023 as our Public Affairs Lead, overseeing engagement with parliamentarians. He has worked for a range of causes in the past including in the disability and health sectors, as well as in human rights law. Prior to this he worked for many years in the House of Commons. He has also studied ceramics and has spent time working as a potter. Joss’ interest in food systems began young, growing up overlooking a farm in Hampshire. He is now the proud owner of an inner city allotment and involved in the management of a community garden on the council estate where he lives.
Hello! This is Glory Omoaka, a mum of two, an activist and an agent of change who has sat at a roundtable and kitchen table with politicians, local authorities, community members and charities organisations especially refugee-led organisations to accelerate changes in the things that matters to us all as a community and society in general. I work in the healthcare sector because of my passion to help the vulnerable. I have used my lived experience and my voice to contribute to changes. Finally, because I love cooking, and healthy food that is acceptable, available and affordable, I have decided to join other Food Ambassadors to challenge or contribute to policies that will ensure a sustainable food system that is delivered in a dignified manner.
Jacob is a Scottish activist who campaigns for change in his own nation as well as his country. From campaigning at the Scottish Parliament to making changes in his own city Jacob is determined to change politicians' minds for the better and for the future generations.
