Ultimately a 'cash first' or income-focused approach to food insecurity that's come to fruition would mean everyone in our society is able to access a Living Income and a Healthy Standard of Living for All. Integral to a well-functioning social security system is the availability of easily accessible and well-promoted crisis support via cash payments in every UK local authority.

IFAN's vision is of a country without the need for charitable food aid where adequate and nutritious food is affordable to all. IFAN calls on governments, cross-sector partnerships, and frontline agencies to prioritise a cash first approach to food insecurity putting income-focused policies at the heart of their responses to food insecurity.

At a national level, it's critical that social security payments are increased to match the cost of living while fair work and adequate wages become the norm. According to its own data, when the Government introduced the £20 uplift to households on Universal Credit during the pandemic, severe and moderate food insecurity reduced by 16%.

At a local level, taking a cash first approach to food insecurity means prioritising income-focused crisis support delivered by local authorities by means of cash payments alongside advice and support to maximise income. And, in the here and now, local cash first interventions delivered by third sector partners can make a difference and build momentum for systemic change.

Below you can find out more about how the concept of a cash first approach to food insecurity developed, the reasons why this approach is needed to end the need for charitable food aid in the UK, and how local cash first interventions can make a difference.

Please do get in touch with us at admin@foodaidnetwork.org.uk if you'd like to share new resources or evidence linked to taking a cash first approach to food insecurity.