Written question WQ85165

The Food Poverty Roundtable which took place on 11 May 2022 was specifically organised to discuss the ongoing urgency of the cost of living crisis and the impact of rising prices and energy costs on levels of food poverty. It was an opportunity to hear from myself, the Minister for Rural Affairs, North Wales and Trefnydd and the Director of Education and Welsh Language.

There were 72 people in attendance and they included representatives from the Trussell Trust, Citizens Advice Cymru, Bevan Foundation, Oxfam, Waterloo Foundation, Women’s institute, Fareshare, Children in Wales, Child Poverty Action Group, Public Health Wales, Health Boards, Wales Local Government Association, Valleys Regional Park, local authority poverty champions, schools, third sector organisations and food poverty projects that support low income households to access emergency food provision and maximise their incomes, with the aim of addressing food poverty in the longer term.

Attendees were asked to consider how resources should be directed to more effectively help people to access the support they need and maximise their incomes which will reduce and prevent the need for emergency food provision. These suggestions will be fed back at the next Cost of Living Summit which will take place before the summer recess.

During the Roundtable, MRANWT committed to meeting with supermarkets and larger food retailers to discuss how they can play a part in addressing the cost of living crisis.

A written statement detailing the findings and recommendations following the roundtable will be published on 26 May.