Response to Government White Paper on public health

Welcome news today is hope for tomorrow
16.11.04

Responding to the publication of the Government's White Paper on public health Choosing health: Making healthier choices easier, the Chief Executive of leading children's charity Child Poverty Action Group, Kate Green, said:

'It is encouraging that after the long awaited white paper, the Government appears to have listened to the calls for tackling deprivation and disadvantage to be a fundamental part of its public health plans.

'We welcome the commitment to introduce Ofsted into the quality of healthy school meals and the urgent need to address obesity in children.

'Children from low income homes are more at risk from obesity with a healthier basket of food costing on average up to 51% more than standard food items. Urgent action is needed to help families gain access to healthy food and get the right advice.

'The challenge is now for the Government to turn these plans into a reality without further delay. This White Paper is an opportunity to address some of the most serious health problems many children experience.'

For further comment:
Ashley Riley
Press Officer
Tel 020 7812 5216
Mobile 07811 324339
ariley@cpag.org.uk

The Government have today published Choosing Health, Making healthy choices easier. More information from www.doh.gov.uk

The Child Poverty Action Group have published several leading reports on child poverty and public health issues including Poverty Bites: food, health and poor families (2001) and Recipe for Change: a good practice guide for school meals (2004).