Our response to the to the Proposed Right to Food (Scotland) Bill consultation - September 2020

Scottish Labour MSP Elaine Smith is holding a public consultation on the Proposed Right To Food (Scotland) Bill, closing today, Tuesday 15th September 2020. The Bill proposes to incorporate the human right to food into Scots Law.

The proposal argues that establishing a statutory right to food for all is an urgent matter, and should be part of a separate, expedited process, as the food sector impacts on so many policy areas. The COVID-19 pandemic has placed a sharp focus on this necessity.

Obesity Action Scotland is fully supportive of enshrining the human right to food into Scots law as it would help to ensure that Scottish Government and other public sector bodies prioritise wellbeing of people and environment in decisions on the food system. It would mean that the State would have a responsibility to ensure the availability and accessibility of food to all. At Obesity Action Scotland, we also believe that the Right to Food should encompass the right to adequate food, that is both healthy and nutritious, allowing everyone access to healthy diets.

View our consultation response here.