Call to back proposal which would enshrine right to food in law

MSPs have been urged to back a proposal to enshrine the right to food in Scots law.

The move is aimed at tackling food poverty in Scotland, with an estimated 84,555 food parcels having been handed out by the Trussell Trust between April and September this year.

Scottish Labour MSP Rhoda Grant is now seeking the backing of parliamentarians at Holyrood for her ‘Right to Food’ Bill.

In August, the Food Foundation also reported that 10.3% of Scots were experiencing food insecurity.

It also comes after the £20 per week uplift to Universal Credit – introduced by the UK Government in response to the economic impact of the pandemic – was cut.

Grant, who represents the Highlands and Islands, said enshrining the right to food in law would send a “powerful message” that Scotland is serious upon tackling the scourge of food poverty.

“There is no reason at all why anyone should be going hungry in a wealthy nation like Scotland,” she explained.

“The evidence is clear – thousands of Scots are in food poverty and many more are being put at risk due to Tory cuts.

“We simply cannot stand back and allow this situation to continue.”

Grant continued: “If we have the political will we can end food poverty in Scotland by enshrining it as a human right in Scots Law.

“This will send a powerful message to the country that we are serious about tackling the scourge of food poverty and force us into action.

“Let’s make this a reality.”