Recommendation 1c: Tackling food insecurity due to insufficient benefit and wage levels

Food Foundation data showcased that the poorest fifth of the population would need to spend an unrealistic 50% of their disposable income on food to afford the Government recommended healthy diet, the Eatwell Guide. [...] The living wage falls short in meeting the cost of nutritional basic needs of the UK population - In November 2023, the Government announced that the National Living Wage rate for 2024 will be £11.44 per hour. [...] Households in receipt of Universal Credit are at high risk of food insecurity - The Family Resources Survey conducted by the DWP for the 2021-22 period, revealed that 27% of households in receipt of Universal Credit experienced food insecurity, in contrast to the 7% average. [...] As the UK approaches a General Election, The Food Foundation is urging all candidates and political parties to recognise the importance of improving the food system for achieving many societal goals. [...] The Food Foundation’s manifesto ‘Nourishing the Nation’ presents a range of policy priorities aimed at transforming the current food system, reshaping the nation's well-being and future.