Foodbank hits new record
More people than ever before are relying on Renfrewshire Foodbank to feed themselves and their families.
The Trussell Trust, the charity which runs several foodbanks across the UK, has revealed between April 1, 2017 and March 31, 2018, 8,681 three-day emergency food parcels were given to local people in crisis by Renfrewshire Foodbank.
That compares to 7,215 in the previous year – an increase of 1,466.
Of the 8,681 number, 2,395 parcels went to children.
The Trussell Trust has reported a UK-wide increase in foodbank use which it believes is down to people struggling with benefits payments, issues with Universal Credit, insecure work and a loss of funding to charities which offer crisis support.
Elizabeth Alexander, manager of Renfrewshire Foodbank, said: “We don’t want to be here forever. No one in Renfrewshire should need a foodbank’s help and we want to see an end to local people needing emergency food at all.
“It doesn’t have to be this way. With a benefits system that catches people before they fall into crisis, and secure work that provides people with enough money to cover the cost of essentials, this is possible.
“But until that time, we’ll continue to provide vital support when it matters most.
“We’re dedicated to ensuring that people in our community with no money for food are able to access emergency support, and that has only been possible in the last year because of the incredible generosity shown by local people in donating food, time and funds. Thank you.”
More than 97 tonnes of food was donated to Renfrewshire Foodbank between April last year and March this year. Renfrewshire Foodbank has been supporting people since 2012.
Renfrewshire South MSP Tom Arthur said the statistics for foodbank use in his constituency were “disappointing” with 3,566 three day emergency food supplies handed out.
The SNP man said: “These figures are incredibly disappointing to read, and it’s of great concern to see so many people in my constituency have required this help.
“The Trussell Trust have also highlighted that impact that Universal Credit rollout has on areas they serve, with a 53 per cent increase in foodbank use where it has been fully implemented.
“With Universal Credit planned on being implemented in my constituency from September this year, I worry that this poorly implemented reform will impact on the most vulnerable.
“It is heartbreaking that children here have been reliant on food bank supplies, but I am forever grateful to the staff, volunteers and those who donate for helping those who require it, and my office continues to accept food bank donations.”
The Department for Work and Pensions said: “The reasons why people use food banks are complex, so it’s wrong to link a rise to any one cause.
“Since 2010, one million people have been lifted out of absolute poverty and employment is at a record high with more than 3.2 million more people in work – equating to an extra 1,000 people employed a day, every day.
“Meanwhile, we continue to spend £90 billion a year on welfare to support those who need it most.
“The best way to help people improve their lives is through employment, with people on Universal Credit moving into work faster and staying in work longer.”
For more information, visit www. renfrewshire.foodbank.org.uk