Covid-19 Summer Food Fund Debate
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Lord Randall of Uxbridge
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Covid-19 Summer Food Fund
Lord Randall of Uxbridge Excerpts(4 years, 6 months ago)
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Baroness Berridge [V]
My Lords, the Government always keep decisions under review and have listened; that is, as I have outlined, part of a mature democracy. The participation of people such as Marcus Rashford is welcome in the public space and a tribute to the free and fair democracy that we all enjoy.
Lord Randall of Uxbridge (Con) [V]
Welcome as this decision is, can my noble friend tell us what other measures the Government are taking to address food poverty, which has only got worse as a result of the pandemic?
Baroness Berridge [V]
My Lords, we recognise that during the pandemic there have been particular crises in relation to food support. Defra has given £3.5 million to a food charities grant fund, enabling charities to apply for up to £100,000 to provide food. Also, in conjunction with MHCLG, it has distributed over 1 million food parcels; that is in addition to the £63 million that I outlined. There has been considerable support during the crisis for those who have needed food support.