More flashcards

Question 1

What is the inflation rate for food and non-alcoholic beverages as of January 2024?

Answer 1

7.0%

This reflects the rising cost of living impacting food prices.

Question 2

What major issue is caused by the increasing cost of food in the UK?

Answer 2

Poverty

Many people can no longer afford to buy enough food.

Question 3

What health issues can arise from an unhealthy diet/lifestyle?

Answer 3

• Rickets
• Anaemia
• Diabetes
• Cancer
• Obesity

These conditions are linked to poor nutrition.

Question 4

What percentage of people in the most deprived areas of the UK reported buying less food in December 2022?

Answer 4

61%

This indicates a direct consequence of rising food prices.

Question 5

How does buying less food affect the working population’s health?

Answer 5

Lower levels of years of good health

This can lead to decreased productivity and economic issues.

Question 6

According to the Health Foundation, how many people in the UK workforce are out of work due to long-term health issues?

Answer 6

Approximately 2.83 million

This statistic highlights the economic impact of poor health.

Question 7

What was the increase in price for unhealthy food between 2021-22?

Answer 7

2.5%

In contrast, fresh foods saw a 5.1% increase.

Question 8

What percentage of respondents reported that the price of food is a huge concern in March 2024?

Answer 8

87%

This indicates widespread anxiety about food costs.

Question 9

What percentage of the UK population experiences food insecurity according to the Trussell Trust?

Answer 9

15%

This reflects a significant public health issue.

Question 10

What is a potential consequence of implementing food price caps?

Answer 10

Push pricing pressure further down the line

This could lead to future price increases.

Question 11

What are the profit margins on basic food items like milk and bread?

Answer 11

Around 3%

This indicates low profitability for suppliers.

Question 12

What is a primary recommendation to address food poverty?

Answer 12

Increase food provision schemes

This aims to improve access to nutritious food.

Question 13

What percentage of children in the UK start their day hungry according to Arla in November 2023?

Answer 13

Nearly 4 million

This statistic shows the extent of child hunger.

Question 14

What negative impact does hunger have on children’s education?

Answer 14

Decreased concentration and learning time

Hungry children miss out on valuable educational opportunities.

Question 15

What was the increase in the number of people using food banks for the first time in the UK between 2023-2024?

Answer 15

655,000 people

This highlights the rising need for food assistance.

Question 16

What is the financial cost of free school meals to the government, according to the Institute for Fiscal Studies?

Answer 16

Around $1.4 billion

This raises debates about funding priorities.

Question 17

What percentage of people believe the minimum wage is too low?

Answer 17

37% (a little too low) and 26% (much too low)

This indicates public support for increasing the minimum wage.

Question 18

How many people in the UK earn the minimum wage or below?

Answer 18

Approximately 1.6 million

This reflects the scale of low-wage employment.

Question 19

What is a negative consequence of increasing the minimum wage for businesses?

Answer 19

It could lead to decreased job opportunities

This is particularly concerning for low-skilled workers.

Question 20

What is the relationship between universal credit and in-work poverty?

Answer 20

Increased in-work poverty

Universal credit has led to more people in low-paid jobs struggling financially.

Question 21

What is the fear associated with an increase to the minimum wage?

Answer 21

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.

Question 22

What effect can an increase in minimum wage have on low-skilled workers?

Answer 22

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.

Question 23

What is one potential positive outcome of increasing the minimum wage?

Answer 23

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.

Question 24

How would increasing the minimum wage affect consumer behavior?

Answer 24

People would have more money to spend, leading to a more active economy

Increased disposable income would encourage spending on food and essentials.

Question 25

What is the recommended option regarding minimum wage?

Answer 25

Increase the minimum wage ## Footnote This recommendation is based on the premise that it would reduce food poverty.

Question 26

Why is recommendation three (increasing the minimum wage) preferred over recommendation one (decreasing food prices)?

Answer 26

Decreasing food prices would require negotiations with thousands of suppliers and potentially costly subsidies ## Footnote Increasing the minimum wage would alleviate pressure on food prices without needing government agreements with companies.

Question 27

Why is recommendation one (decreasing food prices) considered better than recommendation two (food provision schemes)?

Answer 27

Food provision schemes cannot be available for every meal and every time someone needs food ## Footnote Decreasing prices would provide a more sustainable solution.

Question 28

What would be the overall impact of implementing recommendation three?

Answer 28

Everyone in the UK would have a more steady income, reducing the risk of poverty ## Footnote This would lessen the need for food provisions and decrease food prices.

Question 29

What is the strongest source cited in the text?

Answer 29

Houses of Commons Library article ## Footnote It is highly researched and respected, with a duty to provide accurate information for MPs.

Question 30

What makes the Houses of Commons Library article a reliable source?

Answer 30

It is highly researched and published for decision-making by MPs, ensuring accuracy ## Footnote The article was published in September 2024, making it up-to-date.

Question 31

What is the weakest source mentioned in the text?

Answer 31

A Guardian newspaper article ## Footnote Newspapers may have political biases and the article was published in February 2024, making it less current.

Question 32

Why is the Guardian newspaper article considered weak?

Answer 32

It may hold political bias and is less up-to-date compared to other sources ## Footnote This is critical as the topic changes quickly.