More flashcards
What is the inflation rate for food and non-alcoholic beverages as of January 2024?
7.0%
This reflects the rising cost of living impacting food prices.
What major issue is caused by the increasing cost of food in the UK?
Poverty
Many people can no longer afford to buy enough food.
What health issues can arise from an unhealthy diet/lifestyle?
- Rickets
- Anaemia
- Diabetes
- Cancer
- Obesity
These conditions are linked to poor nutrition.
What percentage of people in the most deprived areas of the UK reported buying less food in December 2022?
61%
This indicates a direct consequence of rising food prices.
How does buying less food affect the working population’s health?
Lower levels of years of good health
This can lead to decreased productivity and economic issues.
According to the Health Foundation, how many people in the UK workforce are out of work due to long-term health issues?
Approximately 2.83 million
This statistic highlights the economic impact of poor health.
What was the increase in price for unhealthy food between 2021-22?
2.5%
In contrast, fresh foods saw a 5.1% increase.
What percentage of respondents reported that the price of food is a huge concern in March 2024?
87%
This indicates widespread anxiety about food costs.
What percentage of the UK population experiences food insecurity according to the Trussell Trust?
15%
This reflects a significant public health issue.
What is a potential consequence of implementing food price caps?
Push pricing pressure further down the line
This could lead to future price increases.
What are the profit margins on basic food items like milk and bread?
Around 3%
This indicates low profitability for suppliers.
What is a primary recommendation to address food poverty?
Increase food provision schemes
This aims to improve access to nutritious food.
What percentage of children in the UK start their day hungry according to Arla in November 2023?
Nearly 4 million
This statistic shows the extent of child hunger.
What negative impact does hunger have on children’s education?
Decreased concentration and learning time
Hungry children miss out on valuable educational opportunities.
What was the increase in the number of people using food banks for the first time in the UK between 2023-2024?
655,000 people
This highlights the rising need for food assistance.
What is the financial cost of free school meals to the government, according to the Institute for Fiscal Studies?
Around $1.4 billion
This raises debates about funding priorities.
What percentage of people believe the minimum wage is too low?
37% (a little too low) and 26% (much too low)
This indicates public support for increasing the minimum wage.
How many people in the UK earn the minimum wage or below?
Approximately 1.6 million
This reflects the scale of low-wage employment.
What is a negative consequence of increasing the minimum wage for businesses?
It could lead to decreased job opportunities
This is particularly concerning for low-skilled workers.
What is the relationship between universal credit and in-work poverty?
Increased in-work poverty
Universal credit has led to more people in low-paid jobs struggling financially.
What is the fear associated with an increase to the minimum wage?
Businesses may not be able to afford staffing costs
55% of companies with low-paid workers reported that a planned increase in minimum wage would negatively impact their business.
What effect can an increase in minimum wage have on low-skilled workers?
It could result in a decreased number of job opportunities, leading to increased unemployment rates
A study by Cornell University found that an increase in minimum wage negatively affects employment, particularly among the young in the UK.
What is one potential positive outcome of increasing the minimum wage?
Less people would be in food poverty and struggling to make ends meet
Charities like the Trussell Trust would be under less pressure due to fewer people needing their services.
How would increasing the minimum wage affect consumer behavior?
People would have more money to spend, leading to a more active economy
Increased disposable income would encourage spending on food and essentials.
What is the recommended option regarding minimum wage?
Increase the minimum wage
This recommendation is based on the premise that it would reduce food poverty.
Why is recommendation three (increasing the minimum wage) preferred over recommendation one (decreasing food prices)?
Decreasing food prices would require negotiations with thousands of suppliers and potentially costly subsidies
Increasing the minimum wage would alleviate pressure on food prices without needing government agreements with companies.
Why is recommendation one (decreasing food prices) considered better than recommendation two (food provision schemes)?
Food provision schemes cannot be available for every meal and every time someone needs food
Decreasing prices would provide a more sustainable solution.
What would be the overall impact of implementing recommendation three?
Everyone in the UK would have a more steady income, reducing the risk of poverty
This would lessen the need for food provisions and decrease food prices.
What is the strongest source cited in the text?
Houses of Commons Library article
It is highly researched and respected, with a duty to provide accurate information for MPs.
What makes the Houses of Commons Library article a reliable source?
It is highly researched and published for decision-making by MPs, ensuring accuracy
The article was published in September 2024, making it up-to-date.
What is the weakest source mentioned in the text?
A Guardian newspaper article
Newspapers may have political biases and the article was published in February 2024, making it less current.
Why is the Guardian newspaper article considered weak?
It may hold political bias and is less up-to-date compared to other sources
This is critical as the topic changes quickly.
