Source · Select Committees · Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee
Recommendation 15
15
Responsibility for food falls across several Government departments, but there is a risk that food...
Recommendation
Responsibility for food falls across several Government departments, but there is a risk that food insecurity falls between the cracks with no clear lead. The establishment of a cross-Government taskforce looking at food insecurity during the pandemic indicated that Defra recognised the value of coordination across Government. However, the national voucher scheme for free school meals would certainly have benefitted from a faster and more joined-up approach between the DfE and Defra. We consider that Defra has made a good effort to tackle the issue, but it alone cannot tackle the causes of and solutions for food insecurity. The Government should measure and report levels of food insecurity across the country. We recommend that the Government appoints a Minister for Food Security, empowered to collect robust data on food insecurity and draw together policy across departments on food supply, nutrition and welfare in order to deliver sustainable change. (Paragraph 74) Foodservice sector
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
Conclusion and Recommendation 15: Responsibility for food falls across several Government departments, but there is a risk that food insecurity falls between the cracks with no clear lead. The establishment of a cross-Government taskforce looking at food insecurity during the pandemic indicated that Defra recognised the value of coordination across Government. However, the national voucher scheme for free school meals would certainly have benefitted from a faster and more joined-up approach between the DfE and Defra. We consider that closer coordination between Government departments is vital, and that a cross-departmental working group on food policy, headed by a single senior Minister, should be established to ensure a more joined-up approach. (Paragraph 74) We agree that close collaboration across Government is crucial in addressing the challenges of food insecurity. Defra and the Department for Work and Pensions work closely together on this issue. As recognised in the Committee’s report, a cross-Government taskforce was established to look at food insecurity during the pandemic. This group was chaired by a Defra Minister and brought together officials from across Government to monitor and respond to issues around food supply and demand. This group has now been stood down, as food supply has stabilised. However, Defra and other Government departments continue to monitor the situation and engage with stakeholders across the food sector. The Government is committed to addressing the underlying causes of food insecurity and ensuring that everyone has access to healthy, nutritious food. We will continue to work across Government to achieve this goal.