Scottish Government Funding Supports Phase 4 of the SGF Healthy Living Programme

The Public Health Minister, Shona Robison MSP, recently announced an additional investment of £679,000 to support Phase 4 of the SGF Healthy Living Programme.

Speaking at the SGF Conference the Minister announced the funding would be provided over 3 years. Phase 4 includes plans to:

• Extend the programme to all local authority areas in Scotland in order to improve consumption amongst retailers.
• Aim to increase membership of the programme to over 800 stores, especially in retail outlets located in low income areas.
• Create a ‘Gold Standard’ for stores already in the programme who want to go that little bit further in promoting healthier produce
• Expand the range of produce covered by the Healthy Living Programme beyond fruit and vegetables to include foods such as wholemeal bread, low-fat milk, fish and potatoes
• Pilot a scheme to make healthier ‘meal deals’ available in shops near schools.

John Drummond, Chief Executive of SGF said, “The Scottish Government’s continued support for the SGF Healthy Living Programme is extremely welcome. The key success of the programme has been its ability to improve access to and take–up of affordable healthier food options, helping to drive forward long-term changes towards a healthier Scottish food culture whilst providing an economic benefit to retailers.”

“The use of a voluntary approach has helped persuade retailers to engage in the Programme and led to substantial inward investment and innovation in the fresh produce and healthy foods categories by retailers.”