Agenda item

Report to follow

The Chair asked Rose Doran (Senior Adviser) and Anna Taylor (Executive Director, The Food Foundation) to introduce the report and discuss recent developments around food poverty.

Rose noted that food poverty has moved up the political agenda during the COVID outbreak, partially due to high profile campaigns. Asked for specific comments from the Board on whether the LGA should adopt a strengthened position on the issue.

Anna gave an overview of the core aims and recommendations of the National Food Strategy, which is an independent review due to be published in it’s final version in 2021;

-        Three urgent recommendations were published in July 2020 to address immediate concerns arising from the COVID outbreak which collectively are intended to provide a nutritional safety net to all children: 

i.                Extension of Free School Meals to all families receiving Universal Credit.

ii.              Scaling up the DfE Holiday Activity Fund to reach all children eligible for FSM.

iii.             Increasing the value of the Healthy Start Voucher programme and extending eligibility to all households receiving Universal Credit.

-        Food Foundation research indicates that 14% of households with children have experienced food insecurity in the last 6 months. Given the link between poor dietary health and susceptibility to COVID-19, the need for investment to tackle food poverty is urgent. 

-        End of the furlough scheme and predicted levels of unemployment represent a serious risk, with demand on food banks only likely to grow.

-        Local authorities support and work has provided vital help for vulnerable families.

The Chair thanked Anna for her time and opened the floor to questions. In the subsequent discussion members raised the following points;

-        There was a broad consensus among members in favour of the NFS strategy to enhance existing programmes.

-        Concerns were raised around the concept of Food Dignity. This included comments on the cultural appropriateness, nutritional value and logistical considerations of packages from food banks as well as Free School Meals.

-        A question was raised on the engagement with the food industry and large retailers as opposed to working solely with Government schemes. Anna explained that the high profile Rashford campaign is supporting the Food Foundation’s and NFS approach and working to bring the industry into the conversation. Supermarkets are being approached to add additional value to the Healthy Start Voucher scheme.

-        A short discussion took place on the role and effectiveness of Breakfast Clubs in supporting vulnerable children and closing the attainment gap.

-        Members noted the link between food poverty and poor nutrition as well as obesity. Concerns were also raised that the obesity crisis may only be exacerbated by the dissolution of Public Health England.

The Chair summarised the debate and noted that Food Poverty will be a major challenge for local authorities moving forward. The Chair added that this issue will need to be revisited by the Board.

Decision

The Members of the Children & Young People Board noted the report.

Action

Officers to further develop the LGA’s position on food poverty in line with Member’s comments.