topic 8 case studies - statistics on food over time AND local scale attempt at acheiving food security

how has food consumption in the UK changed overtime? give statistics.

• overall, food consumption has decreased.

• in the 1940s, the average daily calorie intake was low, at around 2350cal, because WW2 had caused global food shortages, and German attacks on ships had disrupted imports to the UK.

• in the 1960s, the average daily calorie intake increased to 2600cal, as the Common Agricultural Policy was introduced, which increased the mechanisation of farming and increased production of crops like wheat.

• average daily calorie intake decreased to 1750cal by 2000, due to high food prices and people leading healthier lifestyles.

• the UK’s recession in the 1990s also decreased food consumption.

how has food availability in the UK changed overtime? give statistics.

• overall, food availability has increased.

• food availability was low in the 1940s, because WW2 had caused global food shortages, and German attacks on ships had disrupted imports to the UK.

• in the 1960s, food availability increased, as the Common Agricultural Policy was introduced, which increased the mechanisation of farming and increased production of crops like wheat.

• globalisation has allowed for food to be imported into the UK; the UK produces around 60% of the food it needs and then imports the remainder.

• the growing demand for seasonal products all year round, such as strawberries, have increased so it is constantly available: the UK only produces 20% of the fruit and veg we eat - the rest is imported.

what is one attempt to acheive food security at a local scale?

The Trussell Trust Foodbank Network:

• they identify people in crisis and give them access emergency food through vouchers.

what is successful aboout the Trussell Trust Foodbank Network?

• they are one of the biggest providers of 72-hour emergency food aid; in fact, they provide this to over 1 million people in crisis each year, and these people are given 3 days worth of food along with futher advice and support. (nearly half of these go to children)

• Medway Foodbank is part of the Trussell Trust Foodbank Network, and it in 2022, almost 3800 food parcels were given out, and over 5120 children were fed by the food bank in Medway alone.

• therefore, the TTFN has been successful in reducing hunger and increasing food security in local communities in the UK.

what is unsuccessful aboout the Trussell Trust Foodbank Network?

• it doesn’t solve the underlying causes of food insecurity, such as low wages and benefit cuts.

• the 72-hour emergency food aid is only a short-term solution, and doesn’t reduce hunger and improve food security in the long run.

• it’s difficult for the banks to store fresh food, so much of the food given out is processed, such as biscuits and tinned soup.

  • these can have added salt and sugar, which causes health problems, meaning people’s diets are not improved, so food security decreases.