Politics

Foodbanks gave away 7.4 million meals in just six months, reveal charity chiefs


Foodbanks gave away more than 7.4 million meals in just six months amid a 23% surge in demand, bombshell figures revealed today.

Trussell Trust centres handed out 823,145 parcels from April to September during a record-breaking period for hungry Britons needing emergency aid.

Each package contains enough rations for three meals a day for three days, meaning 7,408,305 meals were provided.

Heartbreakingly, 301,653 parcels – equating to 2,714,877 meals – went to children during the six months.

More than 2.7 million meals went to kids, the charity revealed (Picture posed by model)

That was a 23% increase on the same period in 2018 – the sharpest rise the charity has seen for the past five years.

According to the Trussell Trust, the main reasons for people needing emergency food were low benefit income (36%), and delays (18%) or changes (16%) to welfare being paid.

Trussell Trust chief executive Emma Revie said: “More people than ever before are being forced to foodbanks’ doors.

“Our benefits system is supposed to protect us all from being swept into poverty, but currently thousands of women, men and children are not receiving sufficient protection from destitution.

Trussell Trust chief executive Emma Revie

“This is not right. But we know this situation can be fixed – our benefits system could be the key to unlocking people from poverty.”

The charity said one of the major issues faced by hungry families arriving at foodbanks is the five-week wait for a first Universal Credit payment.

It said that welfare recipients moving onto the new system have to wait at least five weeks – and often longer – with no money.

While they can get an advance payment, this takes the form of a loan that must be paid back, often forcing people into debt.

A record amount of food was distributed in the six months to September

Ms Revie urged parties campaigning in the general election to focus on easing poverty and making sure everyone has enough food to eat.

She added: “This general election, all political parties must pledge to protect people from hunger by ensuring everyone has enough money for the basics.

“We want our next government to start working towards a future where no one needs a foodbank by ending the five-week wait for Universal Credit; ensuring benefit payments cover the cost of living; and investing in local emergency support for people in crisis.

“Together, these three changes will put money back into the pockets of people who most need our support.

“It’s in our power as a country to end the need for foodbanks. This can change.”

Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary Margaret Greenwood said: “It should be a source of shame for this government that foodbank use has risen so sharply yet again.

Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary Margaret Greenwood

“These figures show clearly how harsh, punitive Conservative policies like the five-week wait in Universal Credit are pushing people to the point of destitution.

“When Universal Credit payments finally arrive they may not even cover the most basic living costs, leaving parents unable to feed their children.”

A Department for Work and Pensions spokesman said: “We spend over £95billion a year on welfare, and have simplified the benefits system through Universal Credit. 

“Free school meals are provided for 1.3 million disadvantaged children, and up to £26million is also being invested in a breakfast club programme.

“People can get Universal Credit urgently if they need it and 95% of payments are made in full and on time.”





READ SOURCE

Leave a Reply

This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this site, you accept our use of cookies.