TAKING ACTION ON FOOD POVERTY
We are an alliance of organisations from across Shropshire who are working together to take action on food poverty. Throughout 2018 we will be working to develop a food poverty action plan for the county.
We are concerned that families are struggling to access a sufficient nutritious diet. Research shows that:
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1 in 5 children in Shropshire are living in poverty
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90% of respondents to our survey feel that food poverty levels are increasing
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Citizens Advice Shropshire estimates that 27,000 families across the county may have their food budgets reduced due to loss of council tax support and the introduction of Universal Credit
FOOD POVERTY ACTION PLAN
We are working to develop a Food Poverty Action Plan for Shropshire. The Action Plan will make it clear what we need to do to tackle food poverty. As part of this process we are:
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Mapping levels of food poverty
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Speaking to people who are experiencing food poverty to understand the problem and get their ideas on the solutions
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Running workshops to build on existing work and create connected solutions
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Building new partnerships to work better together and get more resources to tackle food poverty
This work is being co-ordinated by Shrewsbury Food Hub with a steering group of key organisations working on food poverty at the moment.
We are grateful for the support of Sustain's Food Power Program, Shropshire Council and University Centre, Shrewsbury.
WHAT WOULD WORK IN SHROPSHIRE?
Here's the Action Plan for Brighton which looks at crisis provision but also identifies what can prevent food poverty.
Would this kind of approach work in a rural county? Please let us know what you think.
