Campaign reply - Food Aid Network

Thank you for contacting my office. I very much appreciate you getting in touch about food poverty.

You are right that the affordability of food is a serious issue and everyone has a right to nutritious and adequate food supply. 

As foodbanks are independent, charitable organisations, I understand that there is no consistent and accurate measure of food bank usage at a constituency or national level. However, a member of my team also visits the Truro Foodbank regularly to offer advice and support.

The Government is taking action to help ease the cost of living pressures, which is worth over £22 billion in 2022/23 and includes £9.1 billion to help with fuel costs, the Holiday Activities and Food programme and the extension to the Household Support Fund. All households will receive a £400 rebate on their energy bills, as well as the £150 council tax rebate which was paid earlier this year.  Low-income households in receipt of certain benefits will be eligible to up to £1,500 in support this year. Further, the Government has increased the value of Healthy Start food vouchers from £3.10 to £4.25, helping eligible low income households buy basic foods like milk, fruit and vitamins.

Following the independent review of the food system last year, which analysed the challenges facing the food system, the Government’s Food Strategy will drive innovation, harness pioneering technology in farming, increase domestic production, spread jobs and grow the economy. My ministerial colleagues have assured me that the Food Strategy will set the UK on a path to boosted food production, ensuring that everyone has access to healthy, affordable and sustainably produced food.

I understand your anxieties over the cost of living and your concern regarding the level of support available. I will continue to keep this issue at the top of my agenda as local MP.

Once again, thank you for taking the time to write. If you require any further assistance, then please do not hesitate to get in touch.