Without action, vulnerable people risk going hungry

Which? is calling for urgent action from the government following reports from very high-risk or vulnerable people who are unable to access food and basic supplies.

Despite efforts from both the government and supermarkets across the UK, six weeks into lockdown concerns remain that vulnerable people are still struggling to book supermarket delivery slots and are unable to find the help they require locally. This means that too many are missing out on the provision they need through no fault of their own.

Others who are vulnerable, or have been asked to ‘self-isolate’ because they are elderly, pregnant or suffer from medical conditions that could cause severe illness if they were to contract coronavirus, are even more likely to have fallen through the cracks.

The problem of poor food delivery options also affects carers, who cannot leave the house but are not in the high-risk category themselves so also have to rely on getting delivery slots.

Sue Davies, head of Consumer Protection and Food Policy at Which?, said: “Based on the huge number of reports we’re seeing from vulnerable people struggling to get access to basic food and supplies, it’s clear that the current system is not working for those who need it the most. Without easily accessible and clearer information for these people, and stronger coordination between the UK’s central and devolved governments, the food industry, local authorities and local charities, there is a risk that many will go hungry during this pandemic.”

Ian Hudspeth, chairman of the Local Government Association’s Community Wellbeing Board, said: “Councils are working hard to protect those most vulnerable to this virus and to support the government scheme to deliver food and supplies to those in the shielded group. We are working with the government to try and understand how the support system for the shielded group can work best and be improved upon, including the need for better data about shielding the clinically vulnerable. This will help ensure those who need assistance get the help they need.

“Councils are already showing leadership and establishing local arrangements to support vulnerable residents outside this group, who are struggling to access food and support due to their isolation or because of hardship. They need the government’s support in accessing supermarket delivery and collection slots for these people, or to be better able to access NHS Volunteer Responders to assist in shopping for non-shielded vulnerable individuals.”