Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Food Security and Poverty: Lockdown

Thursday 21 January 2021 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Government have put in place a winter package to support economically vulnerable households during the January 2021 covid-19 lockdown.
  • The Government have not extended free school meals over the February half-term period.
  • The Government announced a range of other interventions such as the holiday activities and food scheme and grants for local authorities to assist those in need.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Kate Osamor Labour (Co-op) Edmonton and Winchmore Hill
Economy Benefits & Welfare
Context

During the January 2021 covid-19 lockdown, many families faced food poverty and insecurity. The questioner seeks details on discussions with Cabinet colleagues to address this issue.

Question

What discussions has he had with Cabinet colleagues on tackling food poverty and insecurity during the January 2021 covid-19 lockdown?

Answer from George Eustice

The Government have put in place a winter package to support economically vulnerable households. This includes £170 million covid-19 winter support grant for local authorities to help with food and other costs, and £16 million of funding for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to assist charities with food redistribution.

Answered
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Q2 Kate Osamor Labour (Co-op) Edmonton and Winchmore Hill
Children & Families
Context

Over the past five years, there has been a significant rise in food bank usage by families experiencing food insecurity. Despite this, the government decided not to extend free school meals during the February half-term break.

Question

Millions of families have experienced food insecurity over the last five years, leading to a 74% increase in food bank usage. However, the Government are refusing once again to extend free school meals over the February half-term holiday period. What assurances can he give that every child entitled to free school meals, including those with parents having no recourse to public funds restrictions, will receive their meals?

Answer from George Eustice

The Government have not extended free school meals over the February half-term period. However, they announced a range of other interventions such as the holiday activities and food scheme and grants for local authorities to assist those in need.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Extending free school meals during the February half-term break was not addressed directly; instead, alternatives were provided.

How: Announced A Range Of Other Interventions

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