More than 100 organisations, including major supermarkets, food businesses, investors, NGOs and academics, have united to call for the introduction of a landmark Good Food Bill. The campaign is being led by The Food Foundation, Sustain and Green Alliance, which have warned that the UK’s failing food system poses serious risks to national security and public health. The coalition argues that urgent legislative action is needed to address rising food insecurity, poor nutrition and environmental pressures.
The call comes amid strong public backing for reform. Recent polling indicates that 69% of people believe the government should do more to ensure everyone can afford and access healthy food, while 65% support the introduction of a Food Bill that would place legal duties and targets on public bodies to make nutritious food more affordable and accessible. Campaigners say the combined challenges of biodiversity loss, ecosystem decline, potential food shortages and rising food prices make this a critical moment for transformative action.
Supporters argue that a Good Food Bill would embed long-term change in law, ensuring continuity beyond political cycles. Anna Taylor, Executive Director of The Food Foundation, emphasised that while governments can make progress within a single term, only legislation can secure lasting reform and protect it from shifting priorities. With food strategies already introduced in devolved nations, advocates see this as a timely opportunity for Westminster to implement UK-wide legislation that benefits citizens, farmers and food businesses alike.
A broad range of major businesses have backed the proposal, including Marks & Spencer, Danone, Co-op Group, Bidfood, The Compleat Food Group, Elior and Sodexo. Industry representatives stress that cross-government collaboration and industry support are essential to strengthen domestic food supply, build sustainable supply chains, increase climate resilience and support farmers and growers.
Food Ambassadors and young people across the UK have also voiced support, highlighting the real-life impact of food insecurity on families and students. They argue that healthy food should be a basic right rather than a privilege and that legislative targets are necessary to reduce obesity and food insecurity. Advocates believe a Good Food Bill would increase accountability across pricing, labelling, food waste and accessibility, helping to reduce financial pressure on households while protecting the environment and improving long-term public health outcomes.
