With a multitude of competing priorities, the Food Strategy Advisory Board risks failing to deliver effective solutions for those in greatest need.
Although the board’s membership includes many respected figures, concerns arise regarding whether the everyday experiences of those affected by food insecurity are genuinely acknowledged.
Where are the voices representing individuals who grapple daily with the challenge of affording basic, nutritious food? Without their input, policymaking risks becoming disconnected from the very issues it seeks to address.
Sir Terry Leahy, former chief executive of Tesco, cautions that the board has been assigned too many ‘cross-cutting’ objectives—ranging from tackling obesity to enhancing biodiversity and ensuring food security.
These goals are undeniably critical; however, decisions aimed at advancing one could inadvertently hinder progress in another.
A strategy that spreads itself too thin across various fronts risks achieving minimal impact at a time when decisive action is urgently required.
At The Bread and Butter Thing, we support 100,000 families through 145 food clubs nationwide, redistributing surplus food to provide essential supplies affordably.
Every day, we witness an increasing number of working individuals seeking access to healthy, affordable options for their families. The demand for our services shows no signs of abating.
We urge decision-makers to tackle these issues with intent and seek realistic measures that reduce reliance on food relief charities, engaging directly with those at the heart of the problem.
Our recent Slice of Life survey, featuring nearly 10,000 members facing true financial hardship, delivers a sobering reality:
• 45% have less than £50 remaining monthly after covering housing and energy costs.
• 60% are behind on utility payments.
• 69% would struggle with an unexpected £100 expense without borrowing.
For these households, ultra-processed food (UPF) is not a matter of choice; it is an economic necessity.
Fiscal measures, such as taxing unhealthy foods, must complement robust policies that expand access to affordable, fresh, and nutritious food. Otherwise, struggling low-income families may find themselves in an even more precarious position.
Including authentic public voices provides crucial insights. Neglecting their input risks transforming well-intentioned policies into exacerbators of food poverty.
Food clubs like ours illustrate that real change is achievable without stigma or means-testing:
• 81% now access better-quality food.
• 79% consume more fruits and vegetables.
• 47% have significantly improved their diets.
As one of our members from Stobhill Community Centre, Morpeth remarked: “It helped me to feed myself and my family instead of skipping meals. Fruit and veg were luxuries I couldn’t afford before.”
The success of the national food strategy hinges on prioritizing the affordability of nutritious food. Without this focus, initiatives aimed at reducing obesity, enhancing health, and safeguarding food security will ultimately fail those they intend to serve.
