We have all been affected by coronavirus this year but it’s true to say that people will have had very different experiences. Too many people are being pushed further into poverty and as unemployment continues to rise, I am worried this is going to get worse before it gets better.
The Trussell Trust Foodbank Network are expecting to give out an emergency food parcel every 9 seconds this winter. During the first 6 months of the pandemic they saw demand for emergency help rocket, they gave a food parcel to a child every 34 seconds. The impact of coronavirus isn’t all to blame, in the last five years foodbank use has increased by an appalling 74%.
We know there are things the government can to do improve this situation. They could end the 5 week wait for Universal Credit that pushes so many people into crisis and they could do more to ensure people in work are getting paid enough to make ends meet. And thanks to the campaign led by Marcus Rashford, the government have U-turned and finally agreed to extend free school meals to children over the Christmas holidays.
But too many families are in poverty right now. Parents are skipping meals so their children can eat and people are choosing between eating and heating. Will you join me and help people in our area by taking part in a Reverse Advent Calendar for your local foodbank?
It’s really easy, just follow these 3 simple steps:
Can you help get your neighbours involved and do a street collection? Download and print this poster, pop it in your window and post through your neighbours’ doors. Click here to download and print the poster and click here to download and share the image on whatsapp.
If the pandemic has taught us anything it is the power of communities and how we can pull together to look after one another. So send in your photos of your #ReverseAdventCalendar collections or tag me on facebook and we can share the great things our communities are doing to support those in need.
Best wishes
Steve McCabe MP
Foodbanks in Selly Oak constituency
(if I have missed any please reply to this message to let me know)
B30 Foodbank Warehouse, Unit 17 Castle Road, Kings Norton Business Park, B30 3HZ
Drop off: Tuesdays and Fridays, 2-4pm
Also donate at Morrisons in Stirchley, Co-op Cotteridge, Co-op Dads Lane, Co-Op Vicarage Road. More info here https://b30.foodbank.org.uk/
Spearhead Trust at Bells Farm Community Centre Bells Farm Cl, Druids Heath, B14 5QP
Drop off anytime: Monday – Friday, 9am-3pm
Chinnbrook Children’s Centre, 213 Trittiford Rd, Billesley, B14
Drop off any time: Monday – Friday, 9am-4pm
The Life House, 2-6 Frederick Road, Selly Oak, B29 6PB
Drop off any time: Monday – Friday, 9am-5pm
Yardley Wood Local Pantry (community food store) Yardley wood Baptist Church, Yardley Wood Rd B14 4LS
Drop off Tuesdays and Thursdays 9.30am-11.30am
https://www.ywbc.org.uk/community/your-local-pantry.html
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