Food banks’ report shows client figures rose by two thirds: Rocketing number are in debt

BY JAMES TWOMEY
james@slpmedia.co.uk

New statistics from a food bank charity show that usage has increased in the past year, with a 68 per cent rise in people saying it is because of debt.

Norwood and Brixton food bank provided 9,929 three-day emergency food parcels to local people between April 2018 and March 2019, with 3,863 going to children, according to the latest report from the Trussell Trust.

The figures from the Norwood and Brixton Foodbank show a 1.2% overall increase on the same period last year and the charity believes the local growth in demand is due to people struggling with issues with benefit payments, low income and debt.

Clara recently visited the Norwood and Brixton Foodbank and at that time had been waiting four weeks to receive Universal Credit, she said: “The job centre sent me to the food bank which was such a relief.

The food and toiletries I have received today are just enough to get me through another week. This has calmed my nerves. Who knows – maybe my benefits will have arrived by then.”

The 68 percent increase in debt related food bank usage comes alongside a seven percent increase due to low income, with 2497 people receiving food as a result of benefit issues.

Jon Taylor, manager of the Brixton Foodbank said: “No one should need a food bank’s help and we want to see an end to local people needing emergency food at all. It doesn’t have to be this way – our benefits system is supposed to protect us all from being swept into poverty.

“Universal Credit should be part of the solution but currently the five week wait is leaving many without enough money to cover the basics. This isn’t right. Until we reach a future where food banks are no longer needed, we’ll continue to provide vital support when it matters most.

“We’re dedicated to ensuring that people in our community without enough money for food are able to access emergency support. Our vital work in the community has only been possible in the last year because of the incredible generosity shown by local people in donating food, time and funds. Thank you.”

In Southwark, the figures showed that 5,649 three day emergency food supplies were given out marking an increase of 34% on the previous year.

Local London Assembly Member, Florence Eshalomi AM, said: “It is scandalous that we are continuing to see a growing dependence on food banks in our community.

“Whilst the Government is well aware of the key factors that are driving so many local families into food poverty, they are choosing not to act.
Instead, they are shamefully passing on their duty of care to most vulnerable in society onto charities and a beleaguered public sector.

“Sadly, these figures are likely to be just the tip of the iceberg, but they should provide a wake up call for the Government.

They must now urgently step in to address the issue of low pay and fully confront the consequences of their disastrous welfare reforms.”

The food bank welcomes any new offers of help with funding – local businesses, organisations and individuals interested in supporting the food bank’s work can find out more at https://norwoodbrixton.foodbank.org.uk/give-help/donate-money