Record numbers using food banks
FOOD bank use rose a third during the coronavirus pandemic, according to the Trussell Trust, which distributed a record 2.5 million parcels across the UK. The charity handed out 2,537,198 emergency food parcels between April 2020 and March 2021. Almost one million (980,082) of these parcels went to children – more than one parcel every minute on average, the charity said.
It is the first time the total number of parcels has topped two million and is a rise of 33% compared to 2019-20 – itself a record year.
The Trussell Trust said need is driven by people not having enough money for the basics, and more people than ever need the social security system to provide a “strong enough lifeline” for them to keep afloat.
It warns that its figures present a partial picture, as unprecedented numbers of people are being helped by independent food aid providers and community groups, some of which sprang into action as a result of the pandemic.
The charity is calling on the Government to develop a plan to end the need for food banks. Candidates standing in the UK local elections should also commit to this if elected, it adds.