Health written question – answered at on 17 September 2008.
Ben Chapman
Labour, Wirral South
To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the public health effects of people maintaining allotments.
Ben Bradshaw
Minister of State (Regional Affairs) (South West), The Minister of State, Department of Health
No specific considerations have been given to the health benefits of maintaining an allotment, but cultivating an allotment represents a rewarding opportunity for building physical activity into everyday life for those seeking an alternative to sport or other structured exercise. There is also evidence that exercising in a natural environment can bring additional benefits for health and wellbeing.
There is also value in children growing their own food and recognising where food comes from as a real incentive to eating their Five a Day.
Yes0 people think so
No0 people think not
Would you like to ask a question like this yourself? Use our Freedom of Information site.
Annotations
richard higgs
Posted on 19 Sep 2008 5:53 pm (Report this annotation)
what the devil is our representative wasting his time and our money in such a ridiculous enquiry? In this time of financial meltdown is this the best he can do? please begone
richard higgs - eastham - wirral
Anthony John Cuthbert
Posted on 19 Sep 2008 7:29 pm (Report this annotation)
I totally disagree with Richard Higgs.
The health benefits of allotments is important for all those that have an allotment both in healthier food and exercise and effort that it takes to grow it.
Allotments also contribute to local communities and binds people together with a common interest.
Probably it is a threat to people like Richard Higgs because it contributes to the asset poor economy. Allotmenteers can produce a large quantity of produce with little expense.
Financial meltdown humbug... Eat your money if you can.
mark simpson
Posted on 6 Oct 2008 3:11 pm
This annotation has been removed