Independent MEP Marian Harkin today (20 May) called on those EU Member States opposing a fund to give food aid to Europe's most deprived to "recognise the dire need to supplement national budgets in an effort to try to reduce increasing food poverty across the EU".

Speaking from a meeting of the Parliament's Employment Committee, which adopted a report backing the Fund, Harkin noted that "a number of Member States are blocking the proposal and while they may have their individual reasons, they must surely recognise the huge need across the EU for some small of expression of solidarity with those who are genuinely most in need.

"It is just a small expression of solidarity in that it is a continuation of the EU's Food Programme and is meant only to supplement the efforts of some Member States. Given the austerity measures in many countries, this fund will prove invaluable to those who need it most.

"The European Parliament's Employment Committee has given a strong endorsement to the Fund.

"The blocking minority in Council must unblock its objections and work with the Parliament to ensure there is a strong message from the EU in regards to helping the most deprived.

"Anything less will further fan the flames of discontent with the EU and its institutions," Harkin concluded.