Advertisement
Become a member of the Big Issue community
JOIN
Social Justice

Why are more people turning to foodbanks?

More people than ever are expected to use foodbanks this Christmas, as charity The Trussell Trust reveals it supplied 159,388 three-day emergency food supplies to people in crisis last December

Food bank Trussell Trust

More people than ever are turning to foodbanks as we head towards Christmas, according to charity The Trussell Trust, which today revealed that last year’s Christmas period was the busiest month of the year for national foodbanks.

Year on year December figures are also set to increase amid preparations for the charity’s busiest Christmas yet, with supporters being asked to donate as early as possible to help alleviate pressures on volunteers during the busy festive period.

The network provided 159,388 three-day emergency food supplies to people in crisis during December 2017. Of which 65,622 went to children. Nearly double the monthly average for the 2017-18 financial year.

The Trussell Trust said colder weather “heaps pressure” onto people already in crisis during the winter, increasingly families unable to cover the basic costs of living such as heating bills, food and other essentials.

Rising use

But why the sudden increase? Earlier in November, the charity pointed to Universal Credit in driving the rise in foodbank use, after reporting a 13 per cent increase on the number of packages given out last year. The minimum five week wait for payment for those moving on to the controversial new benefits scheme, coupled with colder weather has left families already in crisis this winter unable to cover the basic costs of living such as heating bills, food and other essentials.

The Trussell Trust’s chief executive Emma Revie points the finger at the benefits system under fire across the country. “Our benefits system is supposed protect us all from being swept into poverty – but what we’re seeing is people struggling to heat homes and put food on the table because they simply cannot afford the basics anymore and that just isn’t right,” she said. “We know it doesn’t have to be like this. In the short-term we’re urging the public to donate generously during the first part of December and into the new year, as unfortunately the need for foodbanks is not going to end after Christmas.”

Advertisement
Advertisement

Meanwhile, with more than a million UK residents residing in ‘food deserts’, campaigners have claimed that more needs to be done in poorer communities to improve access to fresh food. Some of the impacted areas were identified as Hattersley in Greater Manchester, Rumney in Cardiff, Everton in Liverpool and Dalmarnock in Glasgow in a study published in October this year.

The Beast from the East and the summer of heat have also sent food prices soaring, which coupled with Brexit fears could make Christmas a lean affair all round with turkeys set to cost five times the price as last Christmas and potato shortages possible.

Advertisement

Become a Big Issue member

3.8 million people in the UK live in extreme poverty. Turn your anger into action - become a Big Issue member and give us the power to take poverty to zero.

Recommended for you

View all
These libraries and leisure centres faced disaster as councils cut services. Then volunteers stepped in
Libraries

These libraries and leisure centres faced disaster as councils cut services. Then volunteers stepped in

'It's hell on Earth': British doctors recall seeing 'unimaginable suffering' in Gaza
War in Gaza

'It's hell on Earth': British doctors recall seeing 'unimaginable suffering' in Gaza

How Newcastle United fans are tackling food poverty one match at a time: 'There's more need than ever'
NUFC Fans Foodbank volunteer outside Newcastle United St James' Park stadium
Food poverty

How Newcastle United fans are tackling food poverty one match at a time: 'There's more need than ever'

'I lost my dignity': Inside Britain's biggest food bank as people struggle to afford the basics
newcastle food bank volunteers
Food banks

'I lost my dignity': Inside Britain's biggest food bank as people struggle to afford the basics

Most Popular

Read All
Renters pay their landlords' buy-to-let mortgages, so they should get a share of the profits
Renters: A mortgage lender's window advertising buy-to-let products
1.

Renters pay their landlords' buy-to-let mortgages, so they should get a share of the profits

Exclusive: Disabled people are 'set up to fail' by the DWP in target-driven disability benefits system, whistleblowers reveal
Pound coins on a piece of paper with disability living allowancve
2.

Exclusive: Disabled people are 'set up to fail' by the DWP in target-driven disability benefits system, whistleblowers reveal

Cost of living payment 2024: Where to get help now the scheme is over
next dwp cost of living payment 2023
3.

Cost of living payment 2024: Where to get help now the scheme is over

Strike dates 2023: From train drivers to NHS doctors, here are the dates to know
4.

Strike dates 2023: From train drivers to NHS doctors, here are the dates to know