Responding to the government's food strategy, the director of policy and strategy at NHS Providers, Miriam Deakin said:

"Tackling deeply entrenched health inequalities is a key priority for trust leaders and the publication of the food strategy today is a welcome development in addressing the wider factors which contribute to unequal health outcomes.

"The strategy, which builds upon commitments in the levelling up white paper, acknowledges the links between deprivation and obesity.

"Initiatives to tackle diet related ill health, such as investment in a primary care based pilot programme to improve diets, and expanding on local food partnerships which bring together councils and partners, are welcome.

"But it is vital that these commitments are accompanied by action on the soaring cost of living which disproportionately impacts the most deprived communities.

"We look forward to seeing more detail in the forthcoming health disparities white paper, which must set out ambitious action to combat the health inequalities which still exist within our society."