In natural disaster or violent conflict situations, the right to food of innocent people is often endangered. Disruption in food production and distribution, looting and blockades, destruction of crops and mining of agricultural land are some of the common problems which occur. This study examines the international legal framework to protect the right to adequate food in emergencies, exploring human rights, economic and environmental aspects. Issues discussed include: principles of humanitarian access, duties of the international community, interventions by the UN Security Council, crimes against humanity and the ban on deliberate starvation of civilians, and standards of food related aid.

This short book reviews the provision of food bank and other emergency food aid provision with a specific focus on the UK, whilst drawing lessons from North America, Brazil and Europe. The authors look at the historical positioning of food aid and the growth of the food aid sector in the UK following the period of austerity 2007-2012, before addressing the causes of food insecurity and concluding that food banks are a symptom of austerity and government inaction which fail to tackle the underlying causes of food poverty. The research is timely, and considers a range of disciplines and practices. This book will appeal to researchers, policy makers and practitioners food economics, welfare economics, public policy, public health, food studies, nutrition, and the wider social sciences.