Written evidence submitted by the Vegetarian Society (PRO0014)

Overview

This statement is an answer the following question posed by the EFRA committee: “4. What should the Government’s priorities for future food procurement be?”.

The EFRA inquiry into public sector food procurement identified a clear need to address climate change and health. This statement sets out how sourcing more vegetarian and vegan food can change public sector food procurement and contribute towards the government’s aims.

The Vegetarian Society is a UK charity which aims to inspire, educate and enable people to be vegetarian. The organisation has over 300,000 members, supporters and social media followers. We invited them to take part in a survey on what the government’s priorities for food procurement should be and 250 people responded. Of those surveyed, 29.2% identified as vegan, 49.2% as vegetarian, 9.6% pescatarian, 11.2% flexitarian/meat-reducer and 0.8% as meat-eater. The Vegetarian Society believes this to be broadly representative of people we engage with as a charity. Our members and supporters are well placed to understand the need for plant-based food in the public sector, and what the current challenges are for vegetarians, vegans and individuals reducing their meat intake.

Since 2018, the Vegetarian Society has been working on the UK Food Plan, a project which aims to improve the number of vegetarian and vegan options in schools and workplaces. Our initial work has been with schools and creating recipes for them to increase their plant-based options.

How should the public sector source and provide vegetarian and vegan food

The Vegetarian Society believes the public sector should be leading the way on sustainable food choices. When procuring food, the government should focus on providing more vegetarian and vegan options.

Of the people we surveyed, 97.2% would like there to be a requirement for the procurement of vegetarian and vegan food in the public sector. Respondents from all diets shared this view. They stated tackling climate change, healthy eating and providing choice for everyone as the key reasons why setting standards for vegetarian and vegan food is important. Only 2.4% thought there needed to be no rule on vegetarian and vegan food. Many respondents stressed the importance of both choice and quality in any vegetarian and vegan options provided.

Of those surveyed: 52.4% people believe there should be a minimum number of vegetarian or vegan options. 26.8% would like the government to buy only vegetarian and/or vegan food, unless a specific request is made for a meat or fish. 18% of respondents would like to see the government go further and source exclusively vegetarian and/or vegan food. Many respondents also cited local and sustainable sourcing as an important requirement.

Choosing vegetarian and vegan food can help stop climate change

In October 2018, the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) advised that eating a plant-based diet is one of the best things an individual can do for the environment. The public sector should be leading the way in promoting and providing vegetarian and vegan food to help meet the government’s climate change targets. Plant-based food needs less land, less water and creates less greenhouse gas.

Of the people we surveyed, 30% would like to see vegetarian and/or vegan food be a requirement in public sector procurement as it is better for the planet and more sustainable.

Here are some of their comments:

When public sector organisations buy food, they should source: Vegan food unless a specific request is made “At present it is meat and dairy unless specified otherwise. Let's reverse this. It would have a positive effect on the environment and public health.” Becky

When public sector organisations buy food, they should source: Exclusively vegetarian food “That will go towards climate change targets, help teach people how to eat less meat, you must put in vegetarian protein though as it is often left out in school meals. It will be educational, helpful and climate friendly. You can source local seasonal organic veg too which will help our farmers and our environment.” Ms R Bazley

When public sector organisations buy food, they should source: Vegetarian food unless a specific request is made “In line with government ambitions on climate change, production of vegetarian food is better for the environment.” Anonymous

When public sector organisations buy food, they should source: Vegan food unless a specific request is made “We can not halt the climate catastrophe without making the decision to provide the food which has minimal impact on the environment.” Kathleen Hall

When public sector organisations buy food, they should source: Vegan food unless a specific request is made “At this volume it would make a big impact on our carbon emissions, while still being able to provide for those that need a different meal for health reasons. Albeit on request.” Anonymous

When public sector organisations buy food, they should source: An agreed minimum number of vegetarian and vegan options “I'm not against other people's choice to eat meat, but there should be a move toward food sources that have less of a detrimental effect on the planet which would mean a greater number of vegetarian/vegan options than there are.” Anonymous

Healthy eating guidelines can be met and exceeded with a balanced vegetarian diet

Public Health England says it is important to eat a diet low in saturated fat and high in whole grains, fresh fruit and vegetables. A vegetarian diet can easily exceed the guidelines for eating 5-A-Day and meals will be naturally high in fibre and low in saturated fat. Eating a balanced vegetarian diet can meet the nutritional needs for people of all ages, and contribute towards the government’s healthy eating strategy. In 2015, the World Health Organisation classified processed meat as carcinogenic to humans.

Of the people we surveyed, 29.2% would like to see vegetarian and/or vegan food be a requirement in public sector procurement as they believe it is beneficial for health.

Here are some of their comments:

When public sector organisations buy food, they should source: Vegetarian food unless a specific request is made “Vegetarian is a healthier, more environmentally conscious way of living and the public sector should promote this.” Ruth Brownlow

When public sector organisations buy food, they should source: Exclusively vegan food “For practical purposes, vegan food is healthier (if made with from scratch rather than ready meals), a lot of vegan meals are gluten free, etc., everyone can eat vegan food so it will be easier for the kitchens to prepare the meals, no need to have separate knives, chopping boards, etc. I could find lots of ethical reasons too. Rose Campbell

When public sector organisations buy food, they should source: Vegan food unless a specific request is made “Hospitals should be places to recover, a healthy diet plays a major part in this.” Anonymous

When public sector organisations buy food, they should source: Vegetarian food unless a specific request is made “Thinking long term, health benefits and eating habits are mostly formed earlier in life. Problems with health conditions e.g. Diabetes need to be addressed urgently before we experience worse to come. Diet can still be different and interesting as well as healthy.” Janice Howard

When public sector organisations buy food, they should source: Vegetarian food unless a specific request is made “Vegetarian food should be the default with an opportunity for people to request meat-alternatives in the way that vegetarian alternatives are requested now. This would create a shift in attitudes about vegetarian food, making it the norm. It would be healthier, cheaper and more sustainable for everybody.” Shannon Francis

When public sector organisations buy food, they should source: Vegan food unless a specific request is made “Fresh fruit, vegetables, beans and grains are better for you than meat, which effects the body in a negative way. Meat production is also subsidised, but somehow more expensive... It does not make financial sense for public bodies to waste money on something that leads to negative health outcomes, which lead to more expenditure in healthcare.” Laurence Grover Quality vegetarian and vegan food helps to ensure choice for everyone

Vegetarian and vegan choices should be available for everyone. Our members and supporters told us in a 2017 survey that more vegetarian choices was their top concern. The Vegetarian Society is working to get more vegetarian and vegan choices wherever food is served by 2025.

Of the people surveyed, 20.8% would like to see vegetarian and/or vegan food be a requirement in public sector procurement to ensure plentiful and quality choice for everyone.

Here are some of their comments:

When public sector organisations buy food, they should source: An agreed minimum number of vegetarian and vegan options “I am 28 years old and have been pescatarian my whole life. I had busy parents and had to get a school lunch every day. My primary school had zero vegetarian options and the only fish option was fish fingers, so I had that nearly every day, apart from when my mum could make a packed lunch. In high school, I had a choice between jacket potatoes or pasta. All very stodgy carb-heavy food which would make me sleepy in the afternoon. I have unfortunately had 5 surgeries in my lifetime and the only food I can remember ever being given in hospital is cheese sandwiches, every time! There needs to be more healthy choices for vegetarians in the public sector and this should be bought as locally and as sustainability as possible. Having even a choice between 2 options when in hospital or school can make a huge difference on your mood and your overall day and make you feel more in control. Also, having healthy options available can have a long term impact on your health over time when you have to eat somewhere every day.” Gemma Steward

When public sector organisations buy food, they should source: An agreed minimum number of vegetarian and vegan options “Increasing number of people following a plant based diet and they all have the right to be provided with a healthy, varied diet.” Anonymous

When public sector organisations buy food, they should source: Vegetarian food unless a specific request is made “Vegetarian (including vegan) food can be eaten by most people. There are many options. It's generally cheaper, can easily be healthier and provide all required nutrients (this can be trickier with vegan food for those who lack experience with it), and is better for the planet. It should therefore help public sector organisations meet various targets (e.g. carbon emissions) and reduce budgets. In addition, providing primarily veggie options - as long as they're good - will hopefully inspire people to eat more veggie food in general. Finally, I've often been at buffet-type events in the public sector organisation I work for and there've been loads of leftover meat/fish options, but those of us who are veggie didn't get enough to eat - it just shows there's a genuine appetite (no pun intended) for veggie food amongst non-veggies.” Anonymous

When public sector organisations buy food, they should source: An agreed minimum number of vegetarian and vegan “Eating vegetarian food should be a choice, but the options available should be good and numerous. All menus should feature exclusively vegetarian food on multiple days.” Anonymous When public sector organisations buy food, they should source: An agreed minimum number of vegetarian and vegan options “I have experience of being in hospital with there being no vegan options on the menu and only one vegetarian option.” Anonymous

When public sector organisations buy food, they should source: An agreed minimum number of vegetarian and vegan options “They should buy a variety of foods to ensure that everyone is able to get good quality food to eat and no-on is left without a meal choice. This should be based on a foundation of quality and sustainability.” Catherine Cooper

Additional considerations when procuring food in the public sector

Respondents told us that locally sourced food, promoting sustainable choices and ensuring choice for those who may be otherwise restricted is also important to them.

Here are some of their comments:

Locally sourced

“Responsibly sourced. Locally grown and ethically produced. Minimise waste. Any surplus should be redirected to other parts of the public sector, so waste is minimal and savings maximised.” Tasaddat Hussain

“Source local seasonal food where possible and design menus around what is locally available. Not use highly processed foods but give employees skills and freedom to design fresh, healthy meals from natural ingredients.” Elke

“In general I think the public sector should consider the carbon impact of the food that they source. Local food, seasonal food, transport methods of food are all things that could usefully be considered.” Anonymous

“I think the public sector should consider how their choices impact and influence others. For example in schools offering a vegetarian menu can inspire young people to consider their food choices more thoughtfully in regards to ethics, environmental impact and their health.” Laura Morgan

Choice in restricted environments

“Often people in settings such as school, hospital and prison have few other options about what they eat, and public sector food should aim to provide high levels of nutrition and support local food producers to create sustainable supply chains.” Ruth Hayes

“Choices for children and hospital food should take priority as neither have chosen to be in those situations and the future outcome of their health and well being should be a priority.” Anonymous Research conducted during the National Food Strategy consultation

In September 2019, over 2,500 people took part in the Vegetarian Society’s survey on what a future food system could look like.

40.4% of vegetarians and vegans believed that food provided in the public sector should be vegetarian and vegan, unless someone requests a meat or fish option. In addition, 37.6% of vegetarians and vegans believed that only vegetarian and vegan food should be served.

Respondents from all diet groups said that poor choice of vegetarian and vegan food in schools and hospitals create a barrier to people eating more vegetarian and vegan food.

Their views shaped our statement to the government’s National Food Strategy consultation, which can be read in full at: https://vegsoc.org/comment-opinion/national-food-strategy/