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SGF Welcomes Healthy Eating Action Plan
4 July 2008
The Scottish Grocers Federation (SGF) has welcomed the publication of the Scottish Government’s Healthy Eating, Active Living: An action plan to improve diet, increase physical activity and tackle obesity (2008-2011).
The plan focuses on tackling health inequalities through targeted healthy living initiatives to fit into different lifestyle demands. Part of the plan aims to focus on the business communities and how they will be incentivised to improve the supply and provision of healthier food choices, focusing on fresh produce in local neighbourhood shops particularly in low income areas and national Healthy Living Awards for retailers who provide good quality, nutritious food options.
Commenting, John Drummond, Chief Executive of SGF, said:
“We welcome the Scottish Government’s plan to work with business to improve the supply of healthier food choices. SGF’s Healthy Living Programme, which is highlighted in the Plan as an exemplar programme, has, with the support of the Government, improved the availability of healthier food options to communities through the local convenience store sector and is now operating in five hundred convenience stores across Scotland.
“The Healthy Living Team looks forward, with the continued support of the Government, to develop and expand the Programme and to continue to improve the choice and availability of healthy options to convenience store customers across Scotland.
“Convenience stores play an important part in the long term viability and vitality of town centres across Scotland. For many people who do not have access to a car, convenience stores provide an important service to their local communities.”
SGF Defends Use of Mosquito Device
1 July 2008
The Scottish Grocers’ Federation (SGF) has defended use of the mosquito device by retailers to disperse gangs of youths following comments made by Bill Kidd MSP. The MSP has lodged a motion in the Scottish Parliament encouraging local authorities to following Edinburgh City Council’s example and outlaw the device. The device emits a high pitched noise which only people under the age of 25 can hear and is used by some retailers to disperse gangs of youths.
Commenting, John Drummond, Chief Executive of SGF, said:
“Politicians are quick to point the finger of blame at retailers for anti social problems created by groups of young people, yet are unwilling to make these same young people take responsibility for their own actions.
“Many of our members who choose to use a mosquito device do so as a last resort in order to disperse crowds of youngster who gather outside their shops often intimidating both customers and staff.
“The manufactures have given detailed assurances that this device is totally harmless. Members who use this device do so sparingly and to reduce the threat of anti social behaviour.”
Scottish Grocers Federation