Source · Select Committees · Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee
Recommendation 7
7
The significantly increased demand for online shopping, combined with in-store measures to prevent the spread...
Recommendation
The significantly increased demand for online shopping, combined with in-store measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and limit excessive buying, have had a negative impact on people who are not shielding but struggling to access food, despite being able to afford it. We accept that some mistakes and compromises were inevitable and that retailers, on the whole, responded well to the unprecedented situation, although they will need to adjust to different needs more quickly in future. However, we urge Defra to consult with retailers and charities to ensure that reasonable adjustments are made for this group of people as the pandemic continues. Ensuring that the necessary steps to contain future pandemics or other crises do not result in disproportionate impacts on people with disabilities or other vulnerabilities should be built into the Government and industry’s emergency planning. (Paragraph 35) Food insecurity
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
We know the difficulties that groups including the disabled faced in accessing food as a result of COVID-19, and that a large number of vulnerable people continue to rely on friends, family and wider community support. The tremendous contribution of many thousands of volunteers has been an example of the people of this country at their best. We worked closely with retailers, local authorities (LA) and charities to help them make connections and form partnerships to work together to help people and put in place a range of services for those who needed it, including those who are not shielding but have other vulnerabilities. Through these partnerships, we were able to introduce measures including the increase of retailer capacity for online delivery and click and collect slots. We also introduced other measures, including working with the National Health Service (NHS) to ensure people could get help to access food, prescriptions and essential items. Local authorities are also able to offer support by referring them to local and commercial shop and drop services. Defra has secured access to a limited number of delivery slots with two major supermarkets and created an online portal to enable Local authorities and selected national charities (Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB), Age UK and Scope) to refer vulnerable members of their communities for access to priority supermarket delivery slots. 277 Local authorities (81%) are also actively involved in the scheme and referring vulnerable members of their communities. In future we will continue working with industry and other key stakeholders to ensure those with vulnerabilities that are not shielding will be able to get the food they need.