Access to food in emergencies: learning from Covid-19. (July 2020)
This report by the British Red Cross explores food insecurity during the coronavirus pandemic in the UK, as well as the policy, practice and guidance seeking to address it.
Access to food in emergencies draws from a collection of national-level polling, interviews and evaluations from British Red Cross services during Covid-19.
Key findings:
No single agency has a specific statutory duty to provide humanitarian assistance, including food, in an emergency under the relevant legislation, the Civil Contingencies Act 2004.
The Covid-19 emergency has reduced access to food for some in the UK.
The causes of food insecurity are complex but key factors include, isolation, poor physical or mental health, lack of employment, financial hardship and insecure accommodation, all of which have been exacerbated by the Covid-19 crisis.
Food provision during the course of the emergency is not always tailored to meet needs and looks different across the country
Recommendations:
Identify those most at risk so that support can be targeted and reach those most in need.
Consider making the provision of accessible, nutritious food a statutory requirement in emergency response.
Ensure food provided in an emergency is suitable and meets people’s needs as far as is practical.
Utilise the strength and insight of the voluntary and community sector to help tackle food insecurity in local areas.
Put in measures to tackle the longer- term causes of food insecurity to help prevent people reaching crisis point in the future.
