Letter argues food aid should not replace incomes that let people buy food

Jane Middleton argues that food waste and food insecurity in Britain are separate problems.

She says giving surplus food to people in poverty may create a two-tier system in which they have less choice and dignity.

The letter responds to a proposal to redistribute surplus food to address hunger.

Middleton says food aid can help in the short term, but relying on it may entrench poverty and reduce pressure on large companies to cut waste.

She argues that the right to food includes having enough income to buy food through ordinary, socially accepted means.

She suggests surplus food could instead be arranged for schools, hospitals and prisons.

Her central point is that people should not have to rely on charity to eat.