Farmed Animals

Animal Welfare in Food Policy and Procurement

Food policy and public procurement represent powerful levers for driving animal welfare improvement at scale.

Key Facts

UK public bodies spend approximately GBP2.4 billion annually on food and catering
Government buying standards require procurement of food meeting at least UK welfare standards
Higher welfare food procurement by hospitals, schools, and government departments creates market demand
Policy frameworks for food systems including the National Food Strategy have included welfare provisions
Consumer education through food labelling is a key policy tool for welfare market development

Welfare Considerations

Food policy and public procurement are underutilised tools for driving welfare improvement at scale. When public bodies commit to sourcing higher welfare products, they create stable market demand that enables farmers to invest in welfare improvements. Food labelling policy that enables informed consumer choice is similarly important. Integrating animal welfare into food strategy and public procurement standards can drive significant systemic change.

What You Can Do

Advocate for higher welfare food procurement standards in public institutions
Support food labelling policy that enables meaningful consumer welfare choice
Engage with food strategy consultations to advocate for animal welfare provisions
Raise awareness about public procurement as a welfare policy lever
Support campaigns for higher welfare catering in hospitals, schools, and government bodies