The United Kingdom is the sixth richest country in the world, and yet, we still have 14 million people who struggle to put food on the table. In a society that has become increasingly willing to turn a blind eye, I feel that it is no longer a problem that belongs to the few. It is our neighbours, nurses, teachers and parents who are struggling to see a light at the end of the tunnel, who are forced to choose between paying rent and buying groceries. Something must change. But how?
The Right To Food movement is a parliamentary campaign led by Member of Parliament for West Derby, Ian Byrne, that aims to make food accessible to everyone and enshrine the right to food into law. This movement is only growing, and, with the help of national and local organisations and campaigners, we are demanding that the government address our objectives and allow us to help end hunger and food banks within the UK for good. But what are we demanding?
Universal free school meals
There are currently 4.5 million children living in child poverty in the UK, and what they lack at home should be provided to them in school. We demand that free school meals and breakfast clubs be provided for every child and that no child go hungry.
The government to state how much of the minimum wage and benefits is for food.
Those who receive benefits are expected to balance rent, utilities, transport, clothing and food with what the government provides them. This is simply not possible for many, and we often see people who are forced to choose between getting to work and food for that day. The government should explicitly state what is expected to be spent on proper food that will benefit people’s health, not just an on-the-go meal.
Independent enforcement of legislation
The legislation for people’s right to food is not something that should be ignored, and it must be accompanied by oversight and enforcement powers given to a new independent regulatory body that will hold the government to account.
Community Kitchens
Community kitchens provide a temporary solution to an immediate problem by providing food to those who cannot afford it. The government should provide funding for dining clubs and ‘meals-on-wheels’ services for the elderly and vulnerable, including school holiday meals for children who rely on meals during school time.
Ensured food security
The government is responsible for its citizens, and people going hungry is a political issue. The government must ensure food security and take this into account when setting transport, local government funding and all other policies.
The more involved I become in this movement, the more personal it becomes to me. Seeing people close to me that I care about struggle with the problems we are trying to fix fills me with the motivation to push this movement and share it in whatever way I can. I have met some very influential people while being involved in this movement, including many members of government and policy makers, as well as developed my skills and navigated the way our government works. This is just the beginning for the movement, and I am very excited to see how it progresses and to reach our final goal.
Azaria Thompson