Food

Our vision is a future in which everyone can enjoy affordable, ethical food, grown and produced in a way that cares for and restores climate, nature and health. We work with caterers, schools, businesses and communities, drive policy change, and collaborate to prove another food system is possible.

Food system issues

Producing healthy and sustainable food

Healthy and sustainable food is good for both people and the environment. Find out what it means to eat well for your health and the planet, and what a healthy and sustainable diet looks like in practice.
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Food security

Food security means having reliable access to enough affordable, nutritious food. Find out what it means for the UK, the challenges facing our food and farming system and what Soil Association is calling for.
A selection of packaged ultra-processed foods and carbonated drinks

Ultra-processed foods

Ultra-processed foods are made using industrial processes and additives you would not find in a home kitchen. British people eat more UPFs than anyone else in Europe. Find out what they are, why they matter and what you can do.

Genetically modified foods

The GM industry has promised for decades that genetically modified crops will transform farming. Find out why Soil Association believes GM is a distraction from the real solutions our food and farming system needs.

Chlorinated chicken

Chlorinated chicken is poultry washed with chlorine after slaughter to treat high levels of bacteria. The practice is banned in the UK but common in the US. Find out what it means for food safety and our food standards.
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Hormone treated beef

Hormone treated beef is produced using growth hormones to speed up production. It is banned in the UK and EU over food safety concerns. Find out what it means and why it matters for UK food standards and trade.

How we are changing the food system

The Soil Association Organic symbol on a jar lid

Soil Association Certification

Soil Association Certification is a leading global certification body, working with businesses across food, farming, forestry, beauty, fashion and textiles to deliver trusted organic and sustainability standards.
The Soil Association Organic symbol on a jar lid
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Food for Life

Food For Life works with caterers, schools and communities, supporting to serve more than 1.5 million sustainable and healthy meals a day.
Raw carrots and beetroot in a basket

Organic for all

Our vision to make organic affordable, available and accessible to all. Find out how we're championing for change.

Organic for all

Our programmes and initiatives

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Food for Life local programmes

Food for Life Local Programmes works with local authorities and community organisations to transform food systems across a place, making it easier for people to access healthy, sustainable food where they live.
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Food for Life Served Here catering certification

Food for Life Served Here supports caterers across a variety of sectors, serving food outside the home including hospitals, care, leisure, and private sector universities, workplaces and visitor attractions. Serving over 1.6 million Served Here meals across the UK every day. 

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Sustainable Food Places

A network of over 123 partnerships across the UK connecting businesses, communities and food providers to make healthy and sustainable food a key part of local life.

Cool Food Pro

A free online environmental calculator that helps caterers reduce the environmental impact of their menus. Set targets, measure savings and make changes across sourcing, meat reduction and food waste. Over 1,000 caterers have already signed up.
A person chopping raw vegetables on a wooden chopping board

Green Kitchen Standard

An independent assessment framework that recognises caterers taking steps to reduce their energy, water and waste. Helps caterers demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and meet government procurement requirements.
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Sustainable Supplier Scheme

Connects sustainable caterers with producers, wholesalers and innovators offering the highest quality products. Simplifies sustainable sourcing, supports certification and helps caterers meet tender requirements.

Take action

A field of barley beneath a blue sky.
Sign the petition

Help us take glyphosate out of the food chain

We're calling on Government to ban the use of glyphosate as a pre-harvest drying agent, and support farmers to transition to pesticide free, nature-friendly alternative practices.
A selection of packaged ultra-processed foods and carbonated drinks
Sign the petition

Tell the whole truth

The ultra-processed food industry is blocking government attempts to make healthy food more affordable. Sign our petition calling on the UK government to resist industry lobbying and make minimally processed food accessible to everyone.
Children eating in school
Children eating in school

Out to Lunch

Our campaign assesses the quality of children's food at popular UK high street chains and attractions. We shine a spotlight on the lack of healthy options on kids' menus and give credit to businesses doing better.

Plant and Share and Cook and Share

Join our growing movement of schools, families and communities growing and cooking together. Download recipes, activities and step-by-step guidance to organise your own event or get started at home.
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Sign the petition

Save our fruit and vegetables

Almost half of UK fruit and vegetable growers fear they could go out of business within a year. Meanwhile the UK imports over 80% of its fruit. Tell the government to act now and save British fruit and veg production.

Our areas of work

Food is one of 4 areas where Soil Association focuses its efforts. Explore the others.

Nature and climate

We work to restore the connections between people, nature and a healthy climate - bringing together farmers, communities and businesses to reverse environmental damage and build a future where nature and people can thrive together. Find out how we are tackling the nature and climate crisis.

Farming and forestry

We aim to transform how land is farmed and managed, supporting farmers, growers and foresters to adopt nature-friendly practices that restore soils, protect wildlife and help create a sustainable future for everyone. Find out how we are changing farming and forestry.

Championing organic

We champion organic farming and food as one of the most powerful ways to restore nature, improve health and build a more sustainable food system - working with businesses, farmers and communities to make it more accessible for everyone. Find out how we are championing organic.