Proposal by the city councilor of Sósíalistaflokkur Íslands that no one be without food

Tomorrow, a proposal by Sósíalistaflokkur Íslands will be submitted that no one be without food, and the proposal reads as follows:

The consequences of the coronavirus clearly highlight the vulnerable situation of those who rely entirely on food distributions. If that assistance is cut off, many cannot seek anything else. For example, Mæðrastyrksnefnd understandably temporarily closed food distributions as almost all volunteers were in a risk group. The responsibility for meeting the basic needs of those who cannot afford to feed themselves throughout the month should not rest with external organizations. The responsibility lies with the authorities, who must respond to the fact that many live in significant deprivation. The need is great, as can be seen in the number of people applying for food assistance.

It is therefore proposed that Reykjavíkurborg consult with organizations of people with experience of poverty for advice and/or collaboration on the best way to establish a food bank, where individuals can choose their own food, according to what is available. Through the food bank, it will be possible to obtain diverse, nutritious food that serves different needs. The food bank will also meet the needs of those who require long-term food supplies due to quarantine or isolation, and those who need home-delivered food due to the consequences of the coronavirus. The food bank will also offer household necessities such as toilet paper, personal hygiene products, diapers, and can openers.

Statement of Reasons:

Everyone's income should be sufficient to live a decent life throughout the month, every month of the year, but unfortunately, the situation in our society is not such. As a result, many find themselves in a situation of being without food. Aid organizations have assisted many over time with food donations and gift cards to grocery stores, and food donations have also occurred through social media, where individuals help others in need. Despite this, such efforts are not enough, as the need is great and it is necessary to respond to that need. It is therefore proposed that Reykjavíkurborg establish facilities for this purpose.

A proposal by Sósíalistaflokkur Íslands regarding an emergency response plan due to the closure of aid organizations that handle food distributions was submitted at a city council meeting on March 12, 2020. It was referred to the mayor's and city secretary's office for review and has not been processed. In that proposal, it was suggested that the city council work with relevant parties, e.g., other municipalities and the state, to put forward an emergency response plan that covers those who will be harmed by the closure of aid organizations that handle food distributions to those living in poor economic conditions. That proposal was submitted because it cannot be expected that volunteers bear the responsibility for providing the service that many rely on to be able to eat throughout the month. The responsibility lies with the authorities, and it is their duty to ensure that people in vulnerable situations do not have to suffer deprivation.

We all need to eat to get through the day and the weeks of the month. It is the foundation for being able to cope with the elements of everyday life. The situation of many is often such that they are poor due to poverty, unemployment, temporary difficulties, or other circumstances that result in the person not having food. On top of that, the economic consequences of the coronavirus make it even more difficult for low-income people to obtain food.

Since February, prices in grocery stores have in many cases risen significantly, and substantial price increases can be found in most product categories. As stated in ASÍ's price monitoring, the largest price increases are on fruits and vegetables, but dry goods, bread, biscuits, and canned food have also increased significantly in many cases. When individuals experience scarcity, the cheapest food is often chosen, which is usually not the most nutritious. Therefore, it is important that nutritious meals be offered in the food bank without restrictions, i.e., that those in need can choose well-composed meals and snacks for themselves and  their families according to their needs. It is necessary to consider food allergies and intolerances and also ensure that sufficient baby food is always available.

The consequences of the coronavirus have also led to increased food expenses for low-income parents due to the gathering ban, as children spend more time at home than before. This means that parents naturally strive to have more food at home, and it can cost more to keep children occupied, e.g., by doing something fun together like baking. In the current situation in society, it is necessary to respond. Many are in a vulnerable position due to their economic situation and face great uncertainty. It is therefore necessary to start by securing the basics, that no one is without food. Food banks are a response that protects people from hunger and strives to ensure that everyone who needs food due to a poor economic situation can obtain it.