Food banks are reason to weep

I was struck afresh by two things whilst reading Sophie Gallagher’s piece (‘My year at the food bank’, i, 28 March).

First, in the UK, the world’s sixth-largest economy, there are more food banks than McDonald’s outlets (2,500 food banks to 1,436 McDonald’s as of 2022).

Second, the memory of leaving our local food bank having delivered a much-needed contribution, and seeing in my rear view mirror a man with his three reusable carriers of food sit down on the kerb and cry broken-heartedly. REV JEFF RADCLIFFE

LANCASHIRE

Sophie Gallagher’s excellent and thoughtprovoking article on food banks made for disturbing reading.

Working people and those struggling through hard times and living in dire circumstances find themselves reliant on charitable handouts.

The Government’s response to this crisis is to end the Household Support Fund it provides to the Trussell Trust for this vital work.

Meanwhile members in the House of Lords have awarded themselves a £100 allowance for overnight stays in London, in addition to their daily allowance of £342 per day plus travel expenses.

I can’t help thinking how much food the Lords’ daily allowance would provide for an individual reliant on food aid. MARILYN WALKER

HULL

Writing as a food bank volunteer, I can relate to all the points and stories in the article by Sophie Gallagher. Last year the independent Ludlow Food Bank fed 1,015 individuals, which is 9 per cent of the town’s population. In 2020 we gave out 560 parcels and last year 669.

In any town or city appearances can be deceptive. Away from the tourist hotspots there are areas of very real – and increasing – poverty. Fortunately, in our case, we also have very generous supporters. STEPHEN DALTON

LUDLOW, SHROPSHIRE