Not What the Doctor Ordered
Diet related diseases account for 46 per cent of illness world wide and are predicted to rise. NHS hospitals and council leisure centres are in a perfect position to positively influence the nation's health - by promoting good nutrition and exercise.
The Soil Association report, sponsored by Organix,
'Not What the Doctor Ordered', has uncovered a glaring contradiction between the Government's policy on healthy eating and the dominance of junk food on sale in many hospitals and leisure facilities.
The Soil Association's survey found that much of the food on sale was of poor nutritional quality, dominated by the fatty snacks, fizzy drinks and confectionery that have been banned from schools to protect children's health.
We found that:
- only one of the hospitals surveyed had a healthy eating policy but three had fast food outlets on site
- healthy choices were severely limited, and unhealthy food was being promoted
- foods high in fat, sugar and salt were staples on canteen and cafe menus
- vending machines selling junk food were a constant feature
- snack machines in sports centres were often located close to children's play areas
Things you can do:
- Challenge the leisure centres and hospitals - ask for a choice of fresh fruit, fruit juices, free water and other healthy snacks
- Contact your local hospital - visit the NHS website to find yours
- Contact your local council – direct your correspondence to the director for culture and leisure services - find your local council on Directgov
- Ask for healthy vending machines, or healthy options, to be provided in council leisure centres
- Keep updated! Join our mailing list and receive our campaign bulletin.
- Buy Organic! If it is not available, ask for it so that managers of shops, hospitals and leisure centres know that it is in demand.
» download the report [PDF, 1.4 MB]
» read the press release
This report is kindly sponsored by
