Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
FOOD BANK USE AT RECORD HIGH
Thousands ‘can’t afford to eat’ says charity
FOOD bank usage in Northern Ireland has hit a record high, as thousands of hungry people “simply cannot afford” to eat.
Figures provided by The Trussell Trust show 36,783 emergency food parcels were issued across the country in the past year – with 15,191 for children.
Campaigners said “enough is enough” and warned Universal Credit was contributing to the huge numbers of people who don’t have enough money to “cover the basics” such as food.
The Trussell Trust’s Emma Revie said: “What we are seeing yearupon-year is more and more people struggling to eat because they simply cannot afford food.
“Enough is enough. We know this situation can be fixed – that’s why we’re campaigning to create a future where no one needs a food bank.
“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.
“As a priority, we’re urging the Government to end the wait for Universal Credit to ease the pressure on thousands of households.
“Ultimately, it’s unacceptable that anyone should have to use a food bank in the first place.
“No charity can replace the dignity of having financial security. That’s why in the longterm, we’re urging the Government to ensure benefit payments reflect the true cost of living and work is secure, paying the real Living Wage, to help ensure we are all anchored from poverty.”
Those who use food banks must be issued a voucher by somebody else such as a GP, a social worker or charity.
It can then be exchanged for a three-day emergency parcel which usually contains tinned and dried foods.
Every time someone needs a new parcel they must be issued with another voucher.