Families across the country woke up to an unusual delivery today – letters left in milk bottles written by a neighbour struggling with food poverty.
The notes lay bare the impact of the cost-of-living crisis, from skipping meals to sitting in the dark, and ask the simple question: ‘Will you stand with me by supporting the right to food?’
They were distributed by Amnesty International on the same day the Office for National Statistics revealed inflation had jumped to 3.5%, the highest level in nearly a year.
Bottles were left on doorsteps across London, Manchester, Birmingham and Oxford, and a selection of letters were also delivered to Prime Minister Andy Burnham at 10 Downing Street.
New research by Amnesty has revealed that three in four British people have worried about the cost of food themselves or know someone who has, shocking new research has revealed.
The survey also found that 85% believe it is unacceptable that people cannot afford to eat, with 82% saying there should be a legal right to food.
Among those who shared their experience to Amnesty was Tyler from London.
‘Sharing my story isn’t easy, but food insecurity goes so much deeper than just what’s on your plate; it’s tied up in high housing costs, benefits, and energy bills,’ he said.
‘No one should have to sit in the dark or skip meals just so their family can eat. Having access to affordable food and being able to choose what you eat should be a basic right for everyone, not a luxury.’
Rising inflation, driven by surging fuel prices, continues to squeeze household budgets.
As a result, charities fear more families will be pushed into food poverty this winter.
Amnesty International UK wants the government to protect the right to food in law and is urging people to back the campaign by signing a petition.
Kerry Moscogiuri, CEO at Amnesty International UK, said: ‘With three quarters of people in the UK at least knowing someone who worries about putting food on the table, the harsh reality facing millions of our friends, neighbours and families is clear.
‘These messages in bottles are a reminder to everyone across the nation that this isn’t a problem far from home; it’s right here in our communities.
‘We’re urging as many people as possible to sign our petition to the UK Government to make the right to food law to protect millions of families from food poverty.’
People can support Amnesty International UK’s Right to Food campaign by signing the petition here: Prime Minister: Protect the right to food in UK law | Amnesty International UK.
Letters from the front line of food poverty
‘Sharing my story isn’t easy, but food insecurity goes so much deeper than just what’s on your plate; it’s tied up in high housing costs, benefits, and energy bills. No one should have to sit in the dark or skip meals just so their family can eat. Having access to affordable food and being able to choose what you eat should be a basic right for everyone, not a luxury.’
Tyler (London)
‘Being hungry is one of the biggest barriers to learning. It’s a problem we see as teachers every day, but a lot of children try to hide it as they’re worried about getting their parents in trouble. There’s only so much schools can do, we need the government’s help. I’m joining Amnesty’s campaign to ask the people of Manchester to stand with me and support a right to food. None of our schoolkids should be suffering like this.’
Sam (secondary school teacher in Manchester):
‘I’m sharing my story because the pressure of rising food costs has made life incredibly difficult for me and my disabled mother, and I know we won’t be alone. There are too many people in Birmingham struggling in silence. I’ve joined Amnesty’s campaign for a right to food, and I’m asking my community to stand with me. We need the government to introduce a lasting solution.’
Khan (Birmingham):
‘I know what it’s like to be the hungry kid at school. And later, as a teacher in Oxfordshire, I saw that same struggle in my own classroom. Children can’t learn when they’re hungry. The experiences I saw as a teacher stay with me and I know many families are still facing the same challenges today. That’s why I’m supporting Amnesty International’s campaign for the right to food to be protected by law. No child should be held back by hunger.’
Alex (former secondary school teacher in Oxfordshire)