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How can we reduce poverty and food insecurity? Committee to hear evidence

28 January 2020

The next evidence session of the Select Committee on Food, Poverty, Health and Environment asks how healthy, sustainable food can be made accessible for everyone. The first session considers causes and experiences of poverty and food insecurity and the second session focuses on poverty and food insecurity amongst school children.

Witnesses

Tuesday 28 January, Committee Room 2A, Palace of Westminster
At 10.40am

  • Helen Barnard, Deputy Director of Policy and Partnerships, Joseph Rowntree Foundation
  • Garry Lemon, Director of Policy, External Affairs and Research, The Trussell Trust
  • Alison Garnham, Chief Executive, Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG)

At 11.40am

  • Professor Greta Defeyter, Professor of Psychology at University of Northumbria
  • Dr Mary Bousted, Joint General-Secretary of the National Education Union
  • Alysa Remtulla, Head of Policy and Campaigns, Magic Breakfast

Possible questions

  • Is there an accurate picture of how many people are living with food insecurity?
  • How does poverty impact upon people's health, and on their ability to consume a healthy diet?
  • Does the private sector – including the food industries – have a part to play in combatting the issues of food insecurity, poverty and health inequalities? 
  • What would be the most powerful intervention to stimulate positive system change and reduce poverty and food insecurity?
  • How prevalent are the problems of poverty and food insecurity among school-aged children?
  • What would be the impact of extending eligibility to free school meals?
  • Is it appropriate for schools to be tasked with the problem of dealing with child food poverty?
  • How prevalent is holiday hunger, and how can central or local Government combat the issue?

Further information

Image: PA