The whole Package

There is an ever-increasing number of people at risk of poor nutrition and relying on food banks in the UK; in 2022/23, 11% of the UK population were living in households that could not secure an adequate and nutritious diet, known as food poverty. In 2023, the Department of Work and Pensions reported 3% of the UK population used a food bank in the previous 12 months.  In a survey of its own food bank network, The Independent Food Aid Network found that nearly 75% of food banks noted an increased demand from November 2023 to January 2024 compared to the previous year; with 98% of food banks providing support to people for the first time, a trend that continued in 2024. We know that those of a less secure financial background are more likely to consume less nutritious food and are therefore at greater risk of poor health.

With this in mind Kettering Foodbank is taking part in a study by Newcastle University, the study will explore the nutritional adequacy of food parcels, the content of the parcels will be analysed and compared to the recommended nutrient intakes as outlined in government guidelines. The term ‘Practicality’ refers to ‘the quality of being suitable for a particular occasion or use’ or ‘the quality of being able to provide effective solutions to problems.’ This research will aim to understand if service users have the necessary equipment, such as stoves or microwaves, and cooking skills to prepare meals from the food parcels.

There is little sense in giving out food unless people are able to cook it or know what to do with it, although we carry out an assessment with each applicant to determine the need and to try and ease the crisis we have no idea how the food is used. Food parcels are adjusted depending on dietary requirements but not individual taste. Just very occasionally items will be returned that have not been used, is it right to assume that because someone is hungry they will eat anything. The question remains could we improve our parcels by a simple adjustment of items or quantity?  Only a broad study may be able to answer that question.