2024 Case Studies Pack
- May 2024
The demand for emergency food provision in Liverpool, as well as longer-term food insecurity, was increasing in Liverpool even before the arrival of Covid-19. Last year, it was estimated that 32% of adults in Liverpool are food insecure, whilst an estimated 140,000 tonnes of food is wasted in Liverpool City Region each year.
The Covid-19 pandemic stress tested the city’s food system, and brought to the surface some of the challenges that exist, particularly around uneven access to good food. Support for those experiencing food insecurity in the city has generally been uncoordinated and responsive, rather than strategic, and, with many new organisations emerging during the pandemic to offer emergency and community food provision, there was a clear need for greater partnership working and coordination.
To address this issue, and as part of Covid-19 recovery plans, Liverpool City Council and its partners established a “good food” steering group consisting of council officers, public health colleagues and members of community, voluntary and faith sector organisations. The group was tasked with preparing a food plan for Liverpool which would outline a strategic and co-operative approach to tackling food insecurity across the city.
Chris Steward
Policy Officer
Liverpool City Council