One step closer in the fight for healthy and sustainable food for all

We welcome the UK government’s implementation of restrictions banning junk food advertising targeting children.

This is a significant step forward in tackling health issues, many of which are associated with ultra-processed diets.

We joined the Obesity Health Alliance, alongside over 50 member organisations, in writing to the Secretary of State to call for further action on junk food advertisement - you can read the open letter here.

We firmly believe that good food should be accessible for all

Currently over 1.6 million of our Food for Life Served Here meals are served daily across the UK, transforming access to healthier and more sustainable meals in public settings such as hospitals and schools, private workplaces, universities and within communities through our local authority partnership work, and as one of the lead partners within Sustainable Food Places.

To continue providing practical solutions we work across the food system, with farmers, caterers, communities and governments, both local and national, to improve the standard of food across the UK.

We also do this via our campaigns such as The Whole Truth, and Out to Lunch, pressuring businesses and the UK Government to make much needed policy changes.

In 2025, through our long standing Out to Lunch campaign we enlisted seven chains including Wetherspoons and Toby Carvery to commit to auditing what they serve to get a clearer picture around ultra-processed ingredients across their menu.

Our The Whole Truth investigation into industry lobbying hit the headlines, was supported by over 20,000 people and followed up with a letter to the Health Secretary signed by the UK’s leading public health bodies and the Royal Medical Colleges. We’ll be building on the campaign success in our advocacy in 2026.

What’s next for healthy and sustainable food?

In 2025 the UK government announced a long-awaited food strategy for England. As part of this process, we’ll inform updates to the School Food Standards and we’re also engaging closely with Defra on procurement policy ahead of a consultation next year.

We hope that proposed revisions will drive meaningful improvements in health, sustainability and food system resilience, and demonstrate the value of the solutions our work provides.

As part of the NHS 10 Year Plan for England, the UK government also announced plans for large food businesses to report the proportion of their sales that are healthy versus less healthy, alongside targets to improve overall sales healthiness.

A top priority for the policy team is advocating for these requirements and helping to shape both the reporting framework and targets ahead of the government’s public consultation, expected this spring.

We’re just back from one of the biggest events in our annual diary, Oxford Real Farming Conference, a programme jam-packed with a diverse range of farm to fork discussions. The work we do across the Soil Association is as important now as it was when we were first founded 80 years ago.

Our history gives us hope; the work taking place now and over the coming months fills us with even more. The changes we strive for will lead to a healthier world for people, animals, nature and climate

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