Voluntary sector responses to food poverty: responding in the short term and working for longer-term change

Abstract

In this paper I respond to the question of whether voluntary sector responses to food poverty in the UK are a sticking plaster without addressing the causes of food poverty. I do so by drawing on a case study of a holiday hunger project and I reflect on three principles: being relational, encouraging participation and working for justice. I conclude with three recommendations for how voluntary sector organisations can work towards both short- and longer-term responses to food poverty.