Join us for the launch of the latest findings in our quarterly research series. Our regular survey with the Diffley Partnership helps us to understand and monitor changes in economic attitudes and public opinion over time.

The recent data have shown that skipping meals and cutting down on portion sizes have consistently been coping strategies for up to a quarter of Scottish households as the cost of living has risen.

In this session, Mark Diffley will present the latest tracker results and then we will reflect on the long term implications of the data by asking: is this household response to financial stress a long-term risk to public health and the economy?

To help us explore this question, Sophie Lawrence, Stewardship and Engagement Lead at Rathbone Greenbank Investments, will join us. She spearheaded the creation of the Investor Coalition on Food Policy - a group of 23 investors representing over £6 trillion in assets under management. Sophie’s work analyses the systemic risks and compelling business case for investors to include the negative impact of poor dietary health on the workforce and economic growth. 

Mark and Sophie will be joined by Pete Ritchie, Executive Director of Nourish Scotland. Pete will reflect on the new data from his perspective after many years experience of working to bring change towards a healthier, more sustainable food system.

In the light of recent reports that the average height of UK five year olds is slipping behind other European nations and established evidence that poor diets contribute to four out of the top five risk factors for early death, ill health and disability in Scotland we feel the time is right to ask what action business and policy-makers can take to help avert another growing crisis.

The event will be hosted at Rathbone Greenbank Investments, George Street, Edinburgh from 12 noon to 2.00pm. A buffet lunch will be served on arrival.