A CONFERENCE to discuss the impact of the cost-of-living crisis takes place in Rugby later this month.
Experts from the International Food Aid Network, Coventry University and national debt advice provider Clean Slate will join local organisations and concerned Rugbeians at the Fair Food Conference.
Organised by Rugby Constituency Labour Party (CLP), the conference – which is free to attend – is open to anyone with an interest in this problem regardless of their political affiliation.
Rugby CLP chair Coun Barbara Brown, who will chair the conference, said: “We in Rugby Labour Party are really concerned that the cost-of-living crisis is going to hit our communities hard. While those on the lowest incomes will be hit the hardest, none of us will be unaffected by the twin evils of food price inflation and spiralling energy costs.”
Coun Alison Livesey added: “We realised there was very little going on locally to help people affected by the cost-of-living crisis.
“We hope that we’ll be able to co-ordinate local provision to get the help to where it’s needed in the short term, but crucially also identify longer term, more sustainable solutions.
“Schemes like community agriculture and co-operative growing schemes enable community access to high quality sustainable food that doesn’t cost and arm and a leg.
“These kinds of projects also have other long-term benefits for those who participate in them, such as improved mental and physical health and an opportunity to meet new friends.”
The keynote speaker at the conference will be Ian Byrne, MP for Liverpool West Derby, who founded the Right to Food Campaign.
He said: “The fear currently being felt across this nation is palpable. Millions of people now face choosing whether to freeze or starve in their homes as the cost of energy, food, essentials and bills rise dramatically.
“How can we accept that we have more Foodbanks than McDonald’s – and when do we collectively accept that the system is broken and the Government is failing the people it is elected to serve?
“This is a humanitarian crisis requiring permanent solutions and we need systemic change so that all people might live with the opportunity of health, happiness and dignity.
“At this important conference I will be talking about why am I campaigning for the Right to Food to be put in to UK law. Enforceable food rights are needed so that Government is accountable for ensuring that nobody goes hungry – and so it is prevented from making political choices that are leading to people being unable to put a meal on the table.”
The Fair Food Conference will take place on Saturday October 15 at the Indian Centre in Edward Street, from 10am to 4pm.
Tickets are free, and lunch is available for a small donation. Visit https://tinyurl.com/3cx8z3cj to book.
