Pandemic sparks huge rise in use of foodbanks

The pandemic has sparked a huge increase in people using foodbanks for essential supplies, according to charities.

The Trussell Trust said its network had seen its busiestever period, with 81% more emergency food parcels being given out in the last two weeks of March.

People struggling with the amount of income they were receiving from working or benefits was the main reason for the increase, the trust said.

The Independent Food Aid Network (IFAN) also reported a record level of need, with an average 59% increase from February to March – 17 times higher than this time last year.

A coalition of charities – including the Trussell Trust, IFAN, Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG), Children’s Society, Joseph Rowntree Foundation, Stepchange and Turn2us – is urging the government to do more to help protect people from being “swept into destitution” amid a huge rise in applications for Universal Credit in recent weeks.

Demand for emergency food parcels had been soaring over the past five years, with research showing that households referred to foodbanks are, on average, left with just £50 per week after housing costs, said the charities.

The coalition called on the government to provide a coronavirus emergency income support scheme that helps individuals and families who are already facing or at serious risk of financial hardship.

Emma Revie, chief executive of the Trussell Trust, said: “Like a tidal wave gathering pace, an economic crisis is sweeping towards us, but we don’t all have lifeboats.

“It’s not right that this has meant some of us don’t have enough money.”

Busy taking stock at Perth Foodbank.