Supporting charities

FOOD BANKS have revealed they are struggling to cope with the number of vulnerable families needing their support, in the wake of declining food supplies and donations.

According to two charities who spoke to Eastern Eye, there has been a rise in food bank users, but the number of donations has decreased.

The ongoing HGV driver crisis has only exacerbated the situation, with many organisations going without supplies due to a shortage in drivers.

The number of users is expected to keep rising too – experts have blamed the end of the £20-a-week universal credit benefit in October and rises in energy bills.

According to the Legatum Institute, more than 800,000 people nationwide will be pushed into poverty by the benefit cut. Meanwhile, the Salvation Army warned that the cuts would “plunge vulnerable people into poverty almost overnight”.

The rising heating costs over the winter is likely to be catastrophic for people already struggling to cope.

There is no doubt that financial troubles will have an impact on the mental and physical wellbeing of thousands of individuals and their families. Without the necessary support of charities and food banks, this will undoubtably get worse.

It is imperative that we offer our help to charities during their time of need if we are able to contribute.

It is also important that the government recognises the severity of the situation for many people across the UK who rely on income support and food donations.

Many are still recovering from the after-effects of the pandemic, and it is likely there will be tough months ahead, unless action is taken.