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Scotland’s food poverty ‘critical’ issue

FOOD poverty in Scotland has escalated into a critical public health and social justice issue, affecting over a million residents and leaving lasting impacts on mental health, education, and long-term well-being.

Recent findings from the Trussell Trust reveal that approximately 1.2 million people in Scotland—about one in six adults—experienced food insecurity in the year leading up to mid-2022. This includes around 170,000 children, highlighting the widespread nature of the issue. The problem is not confined to urban centres; rural areas like the Highlands and Islands also report significant challenges in accessing basic necessities, including food. Food insecurity is closely linked to mental health challenges.

A 2024 report by The Food Foundation found that individuals facing food insecurity are more than twice as likely to live with a mental health condition. Among college students, the situation is particularly concerning. A study by the Mental Health Foundation revealed that 37 per cent of students experienced food insecurity in the previous year, with 54 per cent reporting moderate to severe symptoms of depression. Notably, 25 per cent of food-insecure students exhibited severe depression symptoms. Food poverty also exacerbates chronic health conditions. Research from Robert Gordon University indicates that individuals relying on food banks often live with multiple long-term health issues.

Food insecurity is strongly linked to mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, and stress. Especially for parents and caregivers, financial strain can severely impact well-being. Children in food-insecure families face higher risks of emotional and developmental problems, affecting education and long-term prospects.

The Scottish Government has initiated measures such as the Scottish Child Payment and a cash-first approach to crisis support. However, advocacy groups argue that these efforts need significant scaling. The Trussell Trust recommends increasing the Scottish Child Payment to £40 per week and investing more in affordable housing and crisis support. Additionally, organisations like Food Train call for mandatory malnutrition screenings and legal recognition of the right to food.

Between April 2024 and March 2025, nearly 239,500 emergency food parcels were distributed across Trussell Trust’s network in Scotland—equivalent to about one parcel every two minutes. Over 140,000 of these were for families with children. According to the Trussell Trust, usage of food banks in Scotland has surged about 50 per cent since 2017, with child food parcel distributions rising from 56,000 to 86,000 last year.

In areas like the Scottish Borders, child food parcel distribution increased by more than 600 per cent over five years, also according to the Trussell Trust. Food poverty in Scotland is a multifaceted crisis impacting mental health, education, and long-term health.

Addressing it requires comprehensive policy interventions, increased investment in social support systems, and a commitment to ensuring that all citizens have reliable access to nutritious food.

Published in the Peebleshire News on 1st August 2025

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Column Food Health

The Hidden Costs of Convenience: Food Additives and Your Health

Walk down any supermarket aisle and you’ll see an endless parade of brightly packaged foods promising flavour, shelf life, and convenience. But read the ingredient list and you’ll find a chemistry lab of additives—preservatives, colourings, flavour enhancers, emulsifiers. These aren’t just flavour tweaks or aesthetic upgrades. Many food additives have real health implications, especially when consumed regularly over time. Let’s be clear: not all food additives are harmful. Some, like ascorbic acid (vitamin C) or citric acid, are safe and even beneficial. Others serve a clear purpose—preserving food from bacterial growth, improving texture, or preventing spoilage. But the problem begins with overuse, poor regulation, and a food system built around processed products instead of real nutrition.

Take sodium nitrite, found in processed meats like bacon, hot dogs, and deli slices. It preserves colour and flavour—but when exposed to high heat (like frying), it can form nitrosamines, compounds linked to cancer. The World Health Organization has classified processed meats as carcinogenic, partly due to these additives. Then there’s monosodium glutamate (MSG), used to enhance flavour in soups, snacks, and frozen meals. While research hasn’t proven MSG is universally harmful, some people report symptoms like headaches, nausea, or rapid heartbeat after consuming it—a reaction often called “MSG symptom complex.”

Artificial colours, like Red 40 and Yellow 5, are another concern. These are banned or restricted in some countries, but still widely used in the U.S. Some studies have linked them to hyperactivity in children, prompting warning labels in Europe. While the evidence is mixed, the fact that they’re synthetic petroleum derivatives is reason enough to question their long-term safety. What about emulsifiers like carboxymethylcellulose and polysorbate 80, used to keep sauces smooth and ice cream creamy? Emerging research suggests they may disrupt gut bacteria and promote inflammation—a precursor to obesity, metabolic disorders, and even colon cancer.

Part of the problem lies in cumulative exposure. One snack here, one soda there—it doesn’t seem like much. But these chemicals can build up in our systems, especially when our diets rely heavily on ultra-processed foods. The average American gets more than half their daily calories from such products. That’s a lot of additives. Labelling laws don’t always help. Food companies are only required to list ingredients by weight, and “natural flavours” can mean almost anything. Even products marketed as “healthy” often contain synthetic additives to enhance taste or appearance.

So, what’s the solution? It’s not panic, but awareness. Read labels. Cook more from scratch. Eat foods that rot—because that means they’re real. Push for better transparency and stronger regulations. Additives aren’t going away, but we can choose how much we let them into our bodies. Convenience shouldn’t come at the cost of long-term health. And the more we demand better from our food system, the more likely we are to get it.

Published in the Peebleshire News on 4th July 2025

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Impact of food on Mental Health

In Scotland, the intricate relationship between diet and mental health is gaining increasing attention, particularly in the context of rising food insecurity and the prevalence of ultra-processed foods. Recent research underscores how nutrition profoundly influences psychological well-being, with implications spanning from individual health to broader public policy.

Food insecurity has emerged as a significant concern in Scotland, with profound effects on mental health. A 2024 report by The Food Foundation revealed that individuals experiencing food insecurity are more than twice as likely to suffer from mental health conditions, including anxiety and depression. The stress of uncertain access to nutritious food exacerbates psychological distress, creating a vicious cycle that is challenging to break. The situation is particularly dire among students. A study by the Mental Health Foundation found that over half of Scottish college students reported moderate to severe depression symptoms, with 37% experiencing food insecurity in the previous year. Among those facing food insecurity, a quarter exhibited severe depression symptoms, highlighting the direct impact of inadequate nutrition on mental well-being. Beyond access to food, the quality of one’s diet plays a crucial role in mental health. Ultra-processed foods (UPFs), which are high in sugars, salts, and unhealthy fats, constitute over half of the average Scottish diet. These foods are linked to increased risks of depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline. Nutritional psychiatry experts, like Felice Jacka, emphasize that diets rich in whole foods—such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, and fish—support better mental health outcomes by nourishing the gut microbiome and reducing inflammation. In Scotland, the affordability and accessibility of UPFs contribute to their prevalence, especially among low-income populations. This dietary pattern not only undermines physical health but also exacerbates mental health issues, reinforcing socioeconomic disparities.

Scotland is at the forefront of exploring the connection between metabolism and mental health. Researchers at the University of Edinburgh’s Hub for Metabolic Psychiatry are investigating how metabolic disturbances, such as those caused by poor diet and disrupted circadian rhythms, contribute to conditions like bipolar disorder. Preliminary studies suggest that ketogenic diets, which are high in fats and low in carbohydrates, may help stabilize mood and reduce depressive episodes in some individuals. Addressing the intersection of food and mental health requires comprehensive policy interventions. Advocates urge the Scottish Government to expand access to nutritious food through programs like Free School Meals and to consider the mental health implications of dietary policies. For instance, mandatory calorie labelling on menus has raised concerns about triggering eating disorders, highlighting the need for sensitive implementation of health initiatives.

Investing in mental health support services, particularly in educational institutions, and promoting public awareness about the importance of diet quality are essential steps toward improving mental well-being across Scotland. In conclusion, the interplay between food and mental health in Scotland is a multifaceted issue that demands coordinated efforts across healthcare, education, and policy sectors. By addressing food insecurity, promoting healthy dietary habits, and supporting innovative research, Scotland can make significant strides in enhancing the mental health of its population.

This column was published in the Peeblesshire News on Friday 3rd May 2025

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Column Environment Food

Grow Your Own food

This week Bosco Santimano founder and executive director of social enterprise You Can Cook, shares his thoughts on why the council should invest in allotments to support small farms and residents in the Scottish Borders.

2025 is going to be another difficult year for many families and individuals who have seen not only their financial situation worsen but also their physical and mental health. Many will be forced to get their food via by Foodbanks across the UK. While food inflation has risen exponentially since the pandemic, citizens are less likely to have access to good wholesome foods at affordable prices.

The Scottish Borders is well placed to run small scale farms and other food related businesses and the local council should be providing startup investments for young people and local enterprises who are passionate about growing food and developing a thriving food industry locally so they don’t have to leave the region looking for work.

As of March 2025, the Scottish Borders region faces several challenges concerning allotments. There are significant number of overgrown and unused allotment plots, particularly at the Wilton Park Road site in Hawick, which have remained vacant and overgrown. This neglect has deterred potential gardeners, especially when plots become increasingly difficult to cultivate over time. This raises significant management and maintenance issues for allotment holders who have repeatedly expressed concerns over the lack of regular inspections and maintenance by Scottish Borders Council. Instances have been reported where plots have been left unattended for extended periods, leading to overgrowth and reduced appeal for prospective tenants.

There are development pressures in Peebles where allotment holders are contending with potential displacement due to development interests. Despite legal challenges and community opposition, the threat of losing these allotments to housing projects remains a pressing concern.

The demand for allotments continues to outstrip supply. For instance, in Peebles, the waiting period for an allotment at sites like The Gytes, Burgh Hall, and Moss Park is approximately three years. In Hawick, sites such as Guthrie Drive and Wilton Park Road have waiting periods of up to two years, indicating a need for more plots to accommodate interested residents. Addressing these challenges requires a collaborative approach involving local authorities, community organizations, and residents to ensure that allotments remain accessible, well-maintained, and protected from external development pressures.

Local elected councillors and MSPs should come together to work on long term solutions to alleviate food shortages and higher prices of essential commodities in the region. Party politics should take a back seat and elected representatives should work in partnership with local people, young and old, community groups, schools and social enterprises that put people first across the Scottish Borders.

Land to build houses can be found very quickly as profit motives drive this trend, but land for growing, that is another matter. We need to act quickly as current global events unfolding in front of us will keep having a detrimental impact on our health and well-being.

This column was published in the Peeblesshire News on Friday 21st March 2025

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Column Food

Food Security

The UK imports over 60% of its food. Not a very clever strategy for any country that looks to be self-reliant and take back control of its borders. Government figures reveal that the UK relies on imports for roughly 40% of its food according to 2022 data.

Since Brexit we have been importing food from out with Europe, where animal welfare and safety are not to high standards. In desperation we are currently importing foods like meat and dairy products both processed and unprocessed from countries that do not have robust and strong regulatory institutions like our European counterparts and the UK. It’s mindboggling to see the direction of travel the country has taken since Brexit and the pandemic. I remember politicians and bureaucrats making talking points during the pandemic that a drastic change is needed to plan a new path forward for the country’s food security while also taking in to account the impact of climate change on our environment and food production. Once the politicians got the green light that the pandemic was over and citizens could go back to work, everything was instantly forgotten, the pain, suffering, desperation of millions were being sacrificed again for politicians and corporation to take advantage of the changed landscape.

Many locals across the country were growing their own food as they realised the folly of depending on imports to live a healthy lifestyle. Unfortunately, many of these enthusiastic new growers abandoned their motivation to go back and join the rat race of our modern economic system. Food growers, especially the young, should be inspired and encouraged to take on farming, not chemical farming i.e., growing food the natural way and without the use of expensive pesticides and fertilisers that often trap farmers into debt. These chemicals also poison our land, water and our ecosystem in the long term by causing health issues to not only the growers but consumers. Our education system is not fit for purpose and has not evolved over time. Many of you know that the current educational system was setup during the industrial revolution as companies needed cheap labour, hence the setting up of schools, followed by creche services to also include women. We were enticed into an economic lifestyle that ultimately benefitted the rich, while the poor were left to pick up the pieces of their now ruined social, family and financial health due to government resources ploughed into making the rich richer!

Can the council along-with the Scottish and UK governments work together with locals across the country rural or urban to provide subsidised land for growing? At the same time, can our educational regulators and institutions work together with professionals in the fields of food and growing to help support our young people take-up food as a subject in all its forms and introduce these topics in school curriculums?

Published in The Peeblesshire News on Friday 23rd August 2024