Laura Sharman 02 March 2021

Household food insecurity at 'crisis' levels warns report

Household food insecurity at crisis levels warns report image

The Government must make food insecurity a priority and move away from short-term emergency measures, a new report has urged today.

The report from the Food Foundation found food insecurity has affected 4.7 million adults over the last six months, with 55% saying they did not have enough money for food.

An estimated 2.3 million children live in households that have experienced food insecurity in the past six months, increasing to 41% households with children on free school meals.

The report calls for an urgent review of free school meals to ensure the eligibility threshold does not exclude any disadvantaged children, businesses to pay at least the Real Living Wage, and for the £20 Universal credit uplift to be made permanent.

Emma Thompson, ambassador children’s Right2Food campaign, said: 'In the sixth richest economy in the world these figures speak for themselves. There is absolutely no need for any child to go hungry in the UK.

'The fact that they are and in increasing numbers suggests cracks in a broken food system that can and must be repaired as a matter of the utmost urgency. Apart from the moral duty we owe to children, this is a severe public health problem.'

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Head of Democratic Services, Elections & Monitoring Officer

Harborough District Council
Grade 12 £67,236 – £71,223 plus £3000pa Statutory Officer Allowance
We are looking for an accomplished and proactive leader for our vacant post of Head of Democratic Services & Elections Market Harborough, Leicestershire
Recuriter: Harborough District Council

Social Worker

Durham County Council
£35,412 - £39,152 (pre-progression) / £40,777 - £45,091 (post-progression)
We are looking for social workers who have completed the assessed and supported year in employment to join our Families First teams, working with our Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Social Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 9 £35,412 - £39,152 (Pre-Progression) / Grade 11 £40,777 - £45,091 (Post-Progression)
Are you a nurturing social worker passionate about supporting parents so that children can remain with their birth family?     This could be the right Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Administrative Officer

Durham County Council
Grade 4 £25,583 - £26,824
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Administrative Officer to join our busy, friendly team, supporting Children and Young People’s Services. 1 x Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Lunchtime Play Worker

Durham County Council
£24,796 pro rata
Lunchtime Play Worker Grade 1 £24,796 pro rata Part Time - 6.25 hour per week, Monday – Friday
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner