Over 7,000 families turn to foodbank
Charity steps in to feed more than 2,000 hungry kids
Shocking new figures have shown that more than 7,000 packages of emergency supplies were handed over by Renfrewshire Foodbank last year.
Statistics released yesterday show 7,208 three-day packages were given to people in crisis – and more than 2,009 of these went to children.
This means almost 20 per cent more people have needed help in the past 12 months than during the previous year.
The Trussell Trust foodbank network says UK-wide foodbank figures are still not decreasing and local increases are due to people struggling to make ends meet because of: issues with benefit payments, the Universal Credit roll out in the area, low wages, insecure work, debt and homelessness.
Renfrewshire Foodbank supplied more than 7,208 packages in 2016-17, compared with 6,130 the previopus year – an increase of 18 per cent.
The top three reasons for foodbank referral were: benefit delay 31 per cent, low income 20 per cent and benefit changes 19 per cent.
During the past year, the good people of Renfrewshire have donated 77.5 tonnes of food to the local foodbank and more than 150 people have given up their time to volunteer.
Schools, businesses and faith groups have provided vital support, enabling the team to give three days’ nutritionallybalanced food and support to people in crisis.
Elizabeth Alexander, manager of Renfrewshire Foodbank, said: “It is deeply concerning that we are still seeing an increase in the number of three-day emergency food supplies provided to local people in crisis in Renfrewshire over the last year.
“Anybody could find themselves in need of the foodbank.
“Every week , people are referred to us after being hit by something unavoidable – such as illness, a delay in a benefit payment or an unexpected bill – that means food is simply unaffordable.
“It really is only with the community’s support that we’re able to provide vital emergency help when it matters most, and we hope that one day there will be no need for us in Renfrewshire.
“But until that day comes, we will continue to offer the best possible service to help local people facing a crisis.
“Thank you so much to everyone in Renfrewshire who already donates time, food and money to help local people. If you’re not already involved, we’d love to hear from you!”
Renfrewshire Foodbank shares the concerns of other Trussell Trust foodbanks in Universal Credit rollout areas about the adverse side effects the new system can have on people.
The new benefits system is a single monthly payment for people in or out of work and replaces some benefits and tax credits like Jobseeker’s Allowance.
The six weeks - or longer - waiting period for a first payment can contribute to debt, mental health issues and rent arrears.
The effects of these can last even after people receive their Universal Credit payments, as bills and debts pile up.
Renfrewshire Foodbank is working hard to stop local people affected going hungry but is troubled by the extra pressure this puts on food donation stocks and volunteers’ time and emotional welfare.
As well as providing emergency food, Renfrewshire Foodbank provides essentials like toiletries, nappies and sanitary products to families who are struggling, as well as signposting them to other services in the local area.
Many Trussell Trust foodbanks, including Renfrewshire Foodbank, are partnering with other agencies to provide additional services such as welfare advice, budgeting help and debt support at the foodbank itself, helping people to break out of crisis.
If you can offer any help – through donations or volunteering – to Elizabeth and her team please email manager@ renfrewshire.foodbank.org.uk or call 0141 889 7999.