Universal Credit blamed for spike in foodbank use
RUNCORN And District Foodbank has reported a jump in the number of emergency supplies distributed in the town.
The charity said that between April 1 and September 30, 1,487 three-day packs were provided to residents in crisis, compared to 912 over the same amount of time 2016.
Of the packs handed out this year, 585 went to children.
The foodbank, a member of national charity the Trussell Trust’s network, said it believes an increase in usage across the UK is due to residents struggling with benefits payments and the rollout of Universal Credit (UC).
A spokesman for the Runcorn branch said it shares concerns raised around the country about the switch in the benefits system to UC.
He said service users are facing waits of six weeks or more for the first payment, leading to debt, mental health issues, rent arrears and ongoing problems.
The spokesman said Runcorn And District Foodbank is working hard to prevent residents from going hungry but the branch is troubled by the extra pressure the rollout of UC has placed on stocks and volunteers’ capacity.
Demand is expected to spike in coming weeks in the run-up to Christmas due to factors such as cold weather and high energy bills.
Runcorn foodbank has asked residents to help handle the season by donating items such as Christmas cake, Christmas puddings, chocolates and bis- ● cuits.
Stocks are needed in time for the end of November for it to be distributed in time.
Colin Keiley, Runcorn And District Foodbank manager, said: “It’s really worrying that we are still seeing an increase in need for emergency food across Runcorn and the surrounding area.
“Every week people are referred to us after something unavoidable, like illness, a delayed benefit payment or an unexpected bill, means there’s no money for food.
“It’s only with local people’s help that we’re able to provide vital support when it matters most, and whilst we hope one day there’ll be no need for our work.
“Until that day comes we’ll be working hard to help prevent people going hungry.
“Thank you so much to everyone who already donates time, food and money to help local people.
“If you’re not already involved, we’d love to hear from you!”
Mark Ward, Trussell Trust interim chief executive, said: “We’re seeing soaring demand at foodbanks across the UK.
“Our network is working hard to stop people going hungry but the simple truth is that even with the enormous generosity of our donors and volunteers, we’re concerned foodbanks could struggle to meet demand this winter if critical changes to benefit delivery aren’t made now.
“People cannot be left for weeks without any income, and when that income does come, it must keep pace with living costs – foodbanks cannot be relied upon to pick up the pieces.
“Without urgent action from policy-makers and even more generous practical support from the public, we don’t know how foodbanks are going to stop families and children going hungry this Christmas.”
The spokesman said Runcorn foodbank’s annual costs are about £6,000.