Insurers want role in food policy

Insurers are positioning themselves more prominently in the food debate. With a new position paper, they are drawing attention to their role in the food environment and calling for cooperation on prevention. This could influence how policy, funding, and responsibilities around healthy nutrition are shaped. On April 23, the Verbond van Verzekeraars will present its plans, alongside the parliamentary debate on Lifestyle Prevention in The Hague.

Nutrition as a broader societal issue

According to the Verbond, nutrition goes beyond individual choices alone. Project leader David Baas highlights the wider impact. “The unhealthy food environment is not an individual problem, but a societal issue with major consequences for our health and economy.”

The paper was developed together with around ten members. During the process, the Verbond spoke with NGOs, governments, professors, and other experts. The findings have been translated into concrete recommendations for government policy on prevention.

Costs run into the billions

The reason for the project lies in the societal costs. Unhealthy diets cost more than six billion euros per year, according to the Verbond. This firmly places the issue on insurers’ agenda.

Baas explains that the role of insurers has also been examined. “With this paper, we show what role we as institutional investors can play.”

Three proposals for prevention

During the meeting, three proposals will be presented. These focus on structurally financing and embedding prevention around nutrition. In this way, the sector aims to contribute to a healthier food environment.

According to Baas, this requires cooperation between government and market parties. “With this paper, insurers are taking a concrete step to work with government and the market to make the healthy choice the easy choice.”

Verzekeraars.nl