Can we create a world where food banks are in the past and everyone can afford the essentials?

In this discussion with Jess Miles, Heather Buckingham, author of ‘A Taste for Change’, explains the importance of believing that everyone matters and making sure that everyone can live a healthy life without shame or stigma.

Heather Buckingham is Social Change Advisor at Trussell, a charity whose goal is to end hunger in the UK.

Find out more about the book at: https://policy.bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/trade/a-taste-for-change

The transcript is available here: https://www.transformingsociety.co.uk/2026/09/28/podcast-a-future-beyond-foodbanks-where-everyone-matters/

Download the discussion guide: https://bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/asset/13981/buckingham-discussion-guide.pdf

Timestamps:

01:21 - What is your background and why did you want to write this book?

05:14 - What do we mean by 'the essentials' and why is that a good starting point?

08:20 - How would society benefit if everyone could afford the essentials?

10:28 - How does the way society values different people relate to food bank use?

14:24 - Why is meritocracy problematic and what needs to change?

18:44 - Why is it important for change to be collective and relational?

23:33 - Why are social security changes slow and difficult?

28:17 - How can we engage with this issue in a helpful and productive way?

Intro music:

Cold by yoitrax | @yoitrax

Music promoted by www.free-stock-music.com

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