Food security in the UK

  • Welfare State

    Introduction of welfare state and food access.
    Response to economic and social challenges.
    Reduction in poverty and improved health and education.
  • Food banks

    Introduction of the first food bank—Trussel Trust
    UK-based charity.
    To provide emergency food aid to those in crisis
  • 2008 Economic Crisis

    The collapse of major financial institutions leads to an economic turndown.
    Effected by rising house prices and household debt. - Families faced household insecurity due to job losses and struggled to afford basic necessities.
  • Launch of Universal Credit

    Government Welfare Benefit
    Pilot Rollout: Focused on limited groups: unemployed, single, and without dependents.
    Goals: Support financial independence, encourage employment, tackle poverty and promote social mobility.
  • Cost of living crisis

    As a result of the pandemic - Caused widespread job losses, increased prices on food, energy, and housing prices.

    Increased reliance on welfare and food banks
  • Covid 19 Pandemic

    National Lockdown: Surge in unemployment, food insecurity worsened, increased financial hardship, increased demand for food banks.
  • Brexit Transition Period Ends

    Trade disruptions between UK and EU
    Delays on perishable goods, price increases and limited availability for consumers, labour shortages (agriculture), and shortages of workers led to delivery delays.
  • Russia - Ukraine War

    Russia invaded Ukraine - leading to widespread geopolitical instability and the fall of economies.
    The UK sanctioned Russia, targeting sectors such as oil and gas, and frozen the assets of government officials.
  • Food Security Index

    Aims to identify a country's vulnerabilities and guide policies, particularly during crises.
    To improve the ability to provide sufficient and nutritious food to populations.