Many of Britain's poorest families are struggling to afford to feed themselves. According to statistics provided by the Trussell Trust, which co-ordinates the UK's nationwide network of food banks, more than one million people were given 3-day emergency supplies from food banks in the past year. Between 2008 and 2015, this number has increased by nearly fourty times.
In December 2014, a report published by the All Party Parliamentary Group on Hunger and Food Poverty surveyed the nature and scale of the problem. It suggested that:
- There are at least 420 food banks in the UK
- Food prices have risen by 47% in the past decade
- 500,000 children live in families that cannot afford to feed them
The report called for:
- A new publicly funded body, Feeding Britain, to tackle hunger and food poverty
- An increase in the national minimum wage
- Provision of free school meals for children from poor families during school holidays
- Bigger food banks to distribute more free food and advise people on how to claim benefits
The report was launched by the Archbishop Justin Welby, who praised food bank volunteers for saving the poor from hunger. He compared this achievement to a 'social Dunkirk'. He also adds, 'This extraordinary achievement has been done without the assistance of central government. If the Prime Minister wants to meet his Big Society it is here.' He calls for a swift implement of the report's recommendations, and urges the government to continue its support of food banks.
The Conservative Government sees the issue of food poverty as important and urgent one. Although it cannot control the price of food, it is taking the impact of food prices seriously. The government is working hard to help producers and retailers offer the best prices by improving competition. The welfare system supports millions of unemployed and low-income earners. At the same time, the government is doing much to make work pay. The annoucement of a new National Living Wage by the Chancellor George Osborne will give millions a direct pay rise.
You can find more information on food banks on Trussell Trust's website.
Read more about food banks and food poverty in the UK:
Feeding Britain: Report of APPG on Hunger and Food Poverty