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London’s missing meals

Woman scanning food at a checkout till
Created on
18 October 2022

16 per cent of adults in London had low or very low food security in 2021-22 - that's equivalent to 1.2 million adults [1].

Around one in seven parents (14 per cent) had children living in low or very low food security.

The Independent Food Aid Network (IFAN)'s survey in August 2022 found that nearly 90 per cent of food banks saw demand rise since April this year.

The same survey found that 87 per cent of organisations reported being impacted by supply issues since April 2022, with one in five having to reduce the size of their food parcels.

What is causing food poverty in London? What is exacerbating the problem?

The London Assembly Economy Committee will meet tomorrow to discuss what action is needed to end food insecurity and the impact of the Mayor's initiatives in this area.

The guests are:

  • Debbie Weekes-Bernard, Deputy Mayor for Communities and Social Justice
  • Tom Rahilly, Assistant Director for Communities and Social Policy, Greater London Authority
  • Heather Buckingham, Interim Head of Policy and Research, Trussell Trust, and Sharron, lived experience of using Trussell Trust food banks
  • Sabine Goodwin, Coordinator, Independent Food Aid Network
  • Anna Taylor, Executive Director, The Food Foundation
  • Pam Warhurst, Founder, Incredible Edible

The meeting will take place on Wednesday, 19 October from 10am, in the Chamber at City Hall, Kamal Chunchie Way, E16 1ZE.

Media and members of the public are invited to attend. 

The meeting can also be viewed LIVE or later via webcast or YouTube.

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Notes to editors

  1. London Datastore, Survey of Londoners 2021-22
  2. Full agenda papers.
  3. Hina Bokhari AM, Chair of the Economy Committee, is available for interview. 
  4. Find out more about the work of the Economy Committee.
  5. As well as investigating issues that matter to Londoners, the London Assembly acts as a check and a balance on the Mayor.

For more information, please contact Emma Bowden in the Assembly Media Office on 07849 303897. For out of hours media enquiries please call 020 7983 4000 and ask for the Assembly duty press officer.