Latest figures published by The Trussell Trust today show that foodbank use remains at record levels, rising two percent on last year.
Steve McCabe MP has learnt that between April 2015 and March 2016, The Trussell Trust Foodbank Network in Birmingham, Selly Oak gave 4950 three day emergency food supplies to people in crisis. 1988 of the three day emergency food supplies were given to children.
Nationally 1,109,309 three day emergency food supplies were provided to people in crisis by the charity’s network of 424 foodbanks in the 2015/16 financial year, compared to 1,084,604 in 2014/15. Of this number, 415,866 went to children. On average, those using foodbanks needed two foodbank referrals in the last year. The Trussell Trust’s 400-strong network of foodbanks provides a minimum of three days’ emergency food and support to people experiencing crisis in the UK.
The Trussell Trust say that one million three day food supplies a year must not become the new normal and together with the University of Hull found that benefit delays are a key driver for food bank use. Their data mapping research also reported that there is an important emergent correlation between foodbank use and areas with high numbers of people who are in skilled manual work or unable to work due to long term illness or disability.
Steve McCabe MP said:
“I think that it is a total scandal that in 2016 hunger here in my constituency and across the country is at a record high. As the Trussell Trust have pointed out, food bank usage should not become the new normal. What is clear is that the rise in food bank use by many people who are actually in work is not incidental, this is a result of policies that have been designed by the government to target the people who are the most vulnerable and are on the lowest incomes.”
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