Commenting on a Which? survey, which found that more than a quarter of vulnerable people could be at risk of going hungry because they have faced difficulty accessing basic food and essential groceries, Morgan Vine, Head of Policy and Influencing at Independent Age, said:
“It’s shocking and disappointing that, even months into lockdown, so many people in vulnerable situations are still struggling to get the food and supplies they need. We have been asking people in later life about their ability to access to food and, in April, almost half (48%) told us they were struggling to do this.
“Though some improvements have been made since then, there is a real danger that these problems could get worse after 1st August, when essential food boxes will no longer be supplied by the Government. It’s crucial that those in the shielding category continue to be offered proactive support, even after shielding is paused. This support needs to come from supermarkets, central and local government.
“In light of local lockdowns and a potential second wave later this year, we should be increasing support for the people who are unable to access the food they need, not stripping it back. It’s vital that people struggling to access food aren’t forgotten as the rest of us begin to move out of lockdown and towards a ‘new normal’.”