TACKLING food poverty is set to be considered further by Stratford District councillors in light of an upcoming report by county bosses.
The importance of Tackling Food Insecurity and Promoting Food Justice in the district will be explored in depth by the councils Overview and Scrutiny Committee (OSC), following a vote during a Stratford District Council meeting.
The majority was in favour of taking the matter further, despite a recommendation to reject the original motion last month – although the decision was not unanimous.
Warwickshire County Council officers, whose report is expected in July, are also invited to attend a future OSC meeting in order to discuss the findings further, and to look at the underlying causes and options for developing a policy or strategy for the district.
Coun Anne Parry, who presented the proposal at full council, said: “It is a sad reflection that this recommendation was not voted for unanimously, as it was presented in the best interests of ensuring that our residents across the district have access to food and the support services they need in the most sustainable way.
“The original motion presented by Coun Perteghella and Coun Edden at full council in February was referred to Cabinet on March 8, which recommended its rejection as the central issues were already being dealt with by WCC and other organisations. However, in recognition of the motion, the Cabinet put forward its recommendation for OSC as the best way forward to review and consider this important issue.”
The matter originally came to light after figures showed Stratford Foodbank supported some 6,600 residents in 2020 – a rise of nearly 60 per cent compared to the previous year.
