Rhea Wolfson

Politicians often talk about life getting harder, and food banks have been discussed at length over the last parliament, but what is the reality on the ground and what does it mean to use a food bank?

Firstly, it’s important to know that people have to be referred to food banks, so people using the service are people in crisis.

Some of these crises are brought about by delayed decisions on welfare, but those reliant on food banks aren’t necessarily those who are out of work. Research has shown that the single greatest reason for accessing food banks is low income, and over half of those living in poverty in Scotland live in a household where at least one adult works.

For these people, food banks have become a vital safety net, but one that would not be necessary in a society that treated its people with dignity and respect.

To fight the increasing reliance on food banks, a Labour government will deliver:

A social security system that doesn’t put lives at risk by delaying vital payments to those most vulnerable.

A real living wage of £10 an hour, to end the scourge of in-work poverty and make work pay.

A ban on zero hours contracts, giving workers the certainty and security of a steady income.

This election is an opportunity to address the injustices that blight our society, but we can only do that if we elect a Labour government on June 8.