A LABOUR MSP says plans to enshrine a right to food in Scots law will “send a clear message that hunger has no place in Scotland”.
Elaine Smith said the right to have enough to eat is “one of the most vital issues in this country” as she launched a consultation on her plans.
The Right to Food (Scotland) Bill will also look to set up an independent statutory body to oversee food policy. The 12-week consultation on the bill comes after English footballer Marcus Rashford helped ensure the UK Government will continue to help the families of youngsters who would normally receive free school meals over the summer holidays.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said the Scottish Government will give councils £12.6 million to provide free meals over the school break.
Smith said: “As Marcus Rashford demonstrated last week, the right to food is one of the most vital issues in this country and one that is badly neglected.
“In this time of crisis, things that so many of us take for granted, like the availability of healthy food, have been revealed as being of critical importance.
“Food policy has not been given the priority it deserves by the Scottish Government. With Covid-19 throwing sharp focus on our food system, it is time for that to change.”
She added: “By enshrining the internationally recognised right to food in Scots Law we can send a clear message that hunger has no place in Scotland.”
Professor Mary Brennan, chair of the Scottish Food Coalition, welcomed the move. She said: “Although the right to food is an established right in international law, the Scottish Food Coalition firmly believes that direct incorporation of the right to food into Scotland’s domestic laws is necessary to ensure that the right is realised for all of our citizens.
“In practice, realising people’s right to food means that it is the state’s responsibility to ensure that food is available, accessible and adequate for everyone.
“This is a matter of basic human rights. Our food system impacts us all and it is time that our laws reflected this and complied with international law.”
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