Food Supply: Covid-19

Opened the debate

The report addresses several issues related to food supply during the pandemic, including panic buying, food insecurity, redistribution of surplus food, support for vulnerable individuals, challenges faced by those with disabilities, free school meals, and the impact on hospitality businesses. It highlights the need for better coordination between government departments and suggests a right to food legislation.

Government Response

It is a great pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Ms McVey. I thank all those who have worked hard to keep the nation fed throughout this difficult year and acknowledge the work done by the hon. Member for Tiverton and Honiton (Neil Parish) and his Committee on their report. The national shielding service system was activated on Monday, allowing clinically extremely vulnerable individuals to register their need for support with a maximum of seven days until delivery slots are available. Good supply exists commercially, and online delivery slots are currently available. The Chancellor's coronavirus job retention scheme has been announced but not detailed in this debate due to the focus on the extensive report recommendations. The Government welcomes recommendations 1-3 and confirms daily contact with retailers and preparations for a no-deal scenario, though acknowledging there will be challenges. Evidence shows messaging highlighting food supply resilience works best from supermarkets and the retail supply chain. Regarding recommendation 4, exclusion orders are used only in exceptional circumstances, but consideration is being given to reintroducing specific relaxations based on evidence. Recommendations 5-6 focus on click-and-collect services and increased online deliveries, which have seen significant growth during the pandemic. Local efforts such as Co-op's work for elderly customers demonstrate community support. Drivers' hours were temporarily relaxed and the 5p carrier bag charge was waived to reduce contact between drivers and customers. Recommendations 7-11 address food security for vulnerable groups, with a taskforce targeting specific needs including direct access to delivery slots by local authorities and charities like Age UK and Scope. The report highlights economic access issues growing due to the pandemic. £9 billion extra welfare measures have been introduced this financial year, benefiting 16 million households. Recommendations 8-12 detail food poverty support, noting that half of those in need do not have children. Specific funding was allocated to food charities like FareShare and WRAP for surplus food redistribution. Food boxes were provided during the initial lockdown but are not planned again due to current systems in place. Recommendation 15 involves cross-Government taskforce work, with ongoing consideration of its value. On recommendation 16, the Government stood up stakeholder forums to facilitate collaboration and introduced financial support measures for struggling sectors like dairy and fish. Key workers have been recognised during the pandemic as food heroes. Recommendations 19-20 highlight concerns about processing plants and outbreaks linked to working conditions and living situations; the Government is collaborating closely with relevant agencies to address these issues. Recommendation 25 notes ongoing engagement with industry to plan for the end of the transition period, improving knowledge of supply chains and adapting as necessary. The Minister expresses pride in the work done to manage food supplies during the pandemic and welcomes further collaboration on this important topic.