Source · Select Committees · Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee
Recommendation 12
12
Paragraph: 64
The distribution of food parcels to people who were Clinically Extremely Vulnerable (CEV) and without...
Conclusion
The distribution of food parcels to people who were Clinically Extremely Vulnerable (CEV) and without other means of support was a valuable way of ensuring that those people had access to basic foodstuffs. We accept that many of the complaints about the contents of parcels were likely to relate to the early food parcels made from the emergency bulk food offer from Government to local authorities. Once the centralised system was in place, it appeared to operate very well. However, if the Government repeats such an endeavour in future, such as during a second wave of COVID-19, it should make greater efforts to ensure that nutrition and dietary needs are given higher priority from the start.
Paragraph Reference:
64
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
Conclusion and Recommendation 12: The distribution of food parcels to people who were Clinically Extremely Vulnerable (CEV) and without other means of support was a valuable way of ensuring that those people had access to basic foodstuffs. We accept that many of the complaints about the contents of parcels were likely to relate to the early food parcels made from the emergency bulk food offer from Government to local authorities. Once the centralised system was in place, it appeared to operate very well. However, if the Government needs to reinstate the provision of food parcels to the CEV group, it should ensure that a wider range of food and essential supplies is offered, so that individuals can receive items that meet their dietary, cultural and household needs. It should also consider that for some people, fresh food delivered less frequently would be more suitable. (Paragraph 61) The Government agrees with the Committee’s comments and would like to thank all those involved in the establishment of the centralised system which ensured that those who were clinically extremely vulnerable had access to food at a critical time. The Government has been working closely with the shielding group through various channels. As a result of the actions we have taken, including the introduction of the Community Shielding Support Service, the government has seen a considerable decline in the number of people who require emergency food deliveries. This service ensures that clinically extremely vulnerable people are contacted and assessed for their individual needs, and provided with appropriate support by their local authority. Should the need to reinstate the national food box scheme arise the experience and learning from the initial response will be fully reflected in the design of any potential future service.