Feeding Families Calls on Political Parties to Commit to Eradicating Poverty and Food Insecurity
As the general election on July 4th, 2024, rapidly approaches, Feeding Families, a prominent charity based in North East England, is issuing an urgent appeal to all political parties. The charity is calling for a series of crucial measures to be adopted in a bid to eradicate poverty and food insecurity across the nation.
Feeding Families, known for its unwavering support, hope, and security provided to those experiencing food poverty, is making this appeal based on alarming statistics. Currently, 35% of children in the North East live in poverty, and across the UK, 69% of children in poverty come from working households. Additionally, 7.2 million people in the UK are food insecure.
Key Commitments Requested
Long-term Commitment to Local Support:
- Free School Meal Vouchers: Ensure the continued provision of free school meal vouchers to support children from low-income families.
- Holiday Activities and Food Programme: Guarantee funding and support for the Holiday Activities and Food Programme to provide essential services during school holidays.
- Household Support Fund: Maintain and expand the Household Support Fund to assist families facing financial difficulties.
Statutory Duty of Care:
- Urge the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to adopt a statutory duty of care to guide policies and decisions, ensuring the welfare and well-being of the most vulnerable are prioritised.
Review of the Benefit System:
- Transition to Universal Credit: Implement clear strategies to avoid income reductions during the transition period to Universal Credit.
- Sanctions: Review and reform sanction policies to prevent undue hardship.
- Asylum and Refugee Status: Provide consistent support for individuals moving between asylum and refugee status to avoid disruptions in their financial stability.
Juliet Sanders, CEO of Feeding Families, emphasised the importance of these commitments: “Feeding Families emphasises that regardless of which party forms the next government, there must be a firm commitment to ending poverty and food insecurity. No child or family should have to rely on community food provision to meet their basic needs.”
A Call to Action
Feeding Families is urging political leaders to bring these issues to the forefront of their policies. The charity’s appeal is driven by the belief that tackling food poverty must remain a constant priority and not be sidelined.
“By addressing these issues, the next government can ensure a more secure and hopeful future for the next generation. Feeding Families stands ready to work with all political leaders to implement these vital changes,” Sanders concluded.
For interviews with Juliet Sanders or other representatives from Feeding Families, please contact JAM Marketing at 0191 917 0819 or reach out directly to Juliet Sanders at 07767 486 978.
About Feeding Families
Feeding Families is a charity based in North East England dedicated to offering support, hope, and security to those experiencing food poverty. Working closely with other organisations and agencies, Feeding Families ensures that thousands of families in desperate need have access to Essential Food Boxes and support packages. At Feeding Families, we believe no one should go hungry, and everyone has the right to feed themselves and their children. We offer more than just food; we show compassion to those in crisis.
