Updated food insecurity statistics
Our thanks to North Yorkshire Council for these updated statistics:
New feedback from community food provisions and investors
Thank you to everyone in our community that completed the ‘what’s changing’ food insecurity survey between April and June 2024. Please take a moment to look at the results:
View the food insecurity survey results
Summary
Between September 2023 and March 2024 respondents observed several improvements, including better partnership working between food providers and cross-sector partners such as Local Authorities and VCSE food provisions. Additional payments from schemes like HSF and Cost of Living had reduced the need for food provisions for some people, as supported bills alleviated the demand on community providers. Anecdotal benefits included individuals feeling more positive, experiencing less stigma when asking for support, and showing improvements in skin, hair, and overall health. Additionally, better access to fresh food and extended, flexible opening hours have better met the needs of families and individuals. However, during the same six-month period, respondents noted increased demand that outweighed supply. Short-term crises have escalated into long-term poverty, requiring more intensive support to help individuals recover. Donations have significantly decreased in some areas, and there is growing uncertainty regarding funding, the changing landscape, and the potential impacts of the upcoming general election.
Solutions
There is a good level of appetite for joint working and getting closer to the root causes, not just the symptoms of food insecurity in North Yorkshire & York. Please read the short report to see some of the ideas within the community that we will continue to explore through local community conversations, discussions with investors and any provider seeking to support healthy and resilient communities.
For any questions about these results, or if you would like a conversation more generally about joint working to address food insecurity in York and North Yorkshire please contact Adele.Wilson-Hope@northyorks.gov.uk.