Local councillors, academics, public health specialists and third sector professionals gathered in Exeter on Friday [15th November] to discuss the far-reaching impact of food insecurity in Devon and how policy-makers can respond.
The Devon Food Insecurity Briefing was held at the University of Exeter and brought together key figures and organisations involved in tackling this ongoing crisis. These included local councillors, senior NHS staff, public health directors and university researchers. Among the speakers were representatives from Citizens Advice Devon, Devon Community Foundation, Devon County Council and the anti-poverty charity Trussell.
Attendees heard updates on the latest food insecurity data. This included a record 254,974 emergency food parcels provided by Trussell food banks in the South West during 2023/24, an increase of 84 per cent compared to five years ago. Figures from Citizen’s Advice showed that 80,000 people in Devon are on a negative income, where their income is not enough to cover essential costs.
Speakers emphasised that this is a long-term issue that has been growing over many years and that current measures, such as the government’s Household Support Fund, only provide a short-term “sticking plaster”. This means support services regularly find themselves on a funding “cliff edge”.
Instead there was a call for a “cash first” approach to reducing poverty, whereby everyone has access to a living income, and for better access to affordable food for everyone.
Guests also heard from projects addressing food insecurity, and were asked to pledge one practical step they could take within the next three months to improve the lives of those most affected.
Professor Harry West, co-director of the Centre for Rural Policy Research and lead of Exeter Food: A University of Exeter Research Network, opened the event. He said: “Food insecurity in Devon is now an endemic issue, impacting a broad range of people. The landscape is complex and strong partnership working between local authorities, the charitable and voluntary sector, and businesses is vital to successfully tackling this pressing issue.”
The briefing event was organised by Devon Community Foundation (DCF), in collaboration with other members of the Devon Food Insecurity Working Group, which is part of the Devon Food Partnership.
DCF is closely involved in a number of research and funding initiatives relating to food insecurity in Devon. It draws on its insight and expertise in this area to work alongside partners campaigning for sustainable, long-term approaches to food support systems.
Dinah Cox, DCF’s interim Chief Executive, said: “The extent of food insecurity in Devon is a scandal but we know that there are many inspiring and innovative ways in which organisations in Devon are addressing this. We are working with philanthropists, funders and other partners to support more of this work and welcome the pledges made by guests here today to take their own steps to influence positive change.”
