The food bank crisis looming this Christmas

An estimated 1.5million people will rely on food banks for their Christmas lunch this year, and over 600,000 of those will be children. Closer investigates the worrying rise…

hile many families will W sit down to a lavish dinner with their families on Christmas Day, thousands of parents will be stressing about how they’re going to put a meal on the table. Shocking statistics show that over 1.5million people will eat a Christmas lunch made from items donated to food banks, with low income being the biggest and fastest-growing reason for food poverty.

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In the UK, food bank use soared in just six months between April and September 2018, with 658,048 emergency essential food supplies being given out.

Alison Inglis Jones, a trustee for poverty charity The Trussell Trust, says, “Benefit delays, thanks to the introduction of Universal Credit and reduced wages, has meant more families are reliant on food banks. Christmas is particularly busy as benefits are often processed late over the holiday.”

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And this Christmas, charities are expecting a spike in food bank use as parents struggle to make ends meet over the festive season.

As demand increases during December, The Trussell Trust is asking supporters to donate as early as possible to help alleviate pressure from volunteers during its busiest time of the year.

Closer investigates the worrying epidemic and speaks to some of those affected...

John Hirrel, 57, from south west London, is HIV positive as well as suffering with other health conditions. He says, “Back in May, my benefits were reassessed and then cut by £600 a month. I simply couldn’t make ends meet. I cancelled my mobile phone contract and made sure that my gas and electricity costs were taken from my benefits straight away, so that they weren’t cut off. But it left very little money for me to spend on food. Sometimes, I don’t eat at all and I’ve lost 1st 5lbs.

“Food banks really have saved my life these past few months.”