Three young people from Swinton called for action to improve food access for young people at the House of Lords this week.
Representing Co-op and Barnardo’s at a House of Lords event this week (Tuesday 8 July), following a new report which revealed that one in four young people struggle to access nutritious, affordable food in their communities.
Eleven-year-old Justin, 12-year-old Amima, and 14-year-old Rodiat, who all live in Swinton visited the capital, and travelled to the House of Lords.
The visit followed Co-op and Barnardo’s latest report, ‘Deeper roots, stronger futures: Unlocking the potential of food partnerships for young people’.
Food partnerships (FPs) are networks that bring together organisations such as local authorities, businesses, charities, community groups, and individuals creating fairer, healthier, and more sustainable local food systems.
The report has seen Co-op and Barnardo call on local authorities to implement a food partnership in every community by 2030.
The partnerships would support food access, as the report reveals that just 54% of local authorities in the UK are currently working with a food partnership.
As 12-year-old Amina said: “Food partnerships can really help people, but they can’t help people who aren’t involved. We need a voice because we’re the future.”
This was agreed with by 14-year-old Rodiat, who said: “Lack of food can affect you, especially if you’re young.
“Food partnerships can help families that are struggling, but they can also help young people living independently or living on the streets.”
And this was followed by Justin, who said: “Families need more support. And food partnerships can provide that.”
The report comes after previous Co-op and Barnardo’s research found that almost a quarter of young people (23%) are unable to access healthy food in their own communities.
It found that 1 in 5 young people – equivalent to 2.5 million across the UK – suggesting that they or their families have struggled to access or pay for food in the last six months.
The report was launched by Lord Rooker, with MPs and policymakers invited to hear from Justin, Amima, and Rodiat, as well as members of the Co-op and Barnardo’s Youth Advisory Group, who co-authored the report.
22-year-old Kyson Redd, a Youth Advisory Group member from Bury, said: “Food partnerships can bring communities together to make sure everyone can access good, healthy food.
“But they aren’t working for young people because young people aren’t being involved. Instead, we’re being ignored.”
As well as encouraging local authorities to step up support, Co-op and Barnardo’s have recently announced an extension to their partnership – aiming to raise £7 million and support positive futures for one million young people across the UK.
Justin, Rodiat and Amima regularly attend a service run by the partnership in Salford, called ‘Sal-Food For All,’ which is free to attend for all young people in the area.
Justin added: “We make food and play games there, and it helps you make new friends and socialise rather than just staying inside.
“There’s surplus food which we can take home if we need to. I always take home the noodles!”
And with the support offer to these young people in the area, Rodiat praised the service for allowing her to be creative, while Amima said she likes how diverse it is “and how nice the people are.”
Following the trip to London Emma Cox, a Barnardo’s and Co-op Support Worker who accompanied them, said: “I got to know Justin, Amima and Rodiat through Sal-food For All, and it’s been amazing to see how their confidence has developed.
“I’m so proud of them for coming to London to raise awareness of this important issue.
“I see first-hand the impact that going without food can have on young people, and their families, and it’s vital that more is done to help all young people access the food they need to thrive,” she added.
The full report can be found here, or to learn more about the partnership you can visit the Co-op support for young people here.
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