Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
In light of recent panic buying and rising unemployment, there is concern about food security risks due to the coronavirus crisis.
What assessment has been made of the risk to food security from the covid-19 outbreak? Despite a 23% rise in Trussell Trust food parcels between April and September last year doubling by this April, alongside a World Bank warning of a worldwide food price spike, what steps are being taken to alleviate rising food poverty?
The coronavirus response has demonstrated the resilience of the UK food supply chain, with manufacturers increasing output by 50% during initial weeks of panic buying. The government recently announced a £16 million fund to support food charities and ensure distribution through FareShare.
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Assessment & feedback
Steps needed to match scale of the crisis not fully addressed
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Unemployment has increased by nearly 70% last month, and food bank demand is surging up to 80% from pre-virus levels. The Trussell Trust reported a doubling in the number of food parcels provided.
Given the alarming rise in unemployment and food poverty, what measures are being taken to address this critical issue?
A new £16 million fund was announced last week to support food charities. The Government's urgently needed food strategy, focusing on obesity and coronavirus, will be developed by Henry Dimbleby with initial report in autumn and final report early next year.
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Assessment & feedback
No timeline provided for emergency plan before recession bites
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Unemployment has soared by nearly 70% last month, leading to a surge in food bank demand up to 80% from pre-virus levels. Labour's proposals for an emergency coronavirus food plan were rejected.
With unemployment soaring and food bank demand surging, what measures match the scale of the crisis? Will the Government's urgently needed food strategy be published before the recession bites?
A £16 million fund was announced to support food charities. The food strategy, developed by Henry Dimbleby, will involve an initial report in autumn and a final report early next year.
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Assessment & feedback
No commitment to publishing before economic downturn
Response accuracy