Food banks statement on Trussell Trust data

published on 14 Nov 2019

Food bank

A Salvation Army spokesperson, said: “We are seeing unprecedented demand at our food banks where the debilitating effects of poverty on people and families are witnessed on a daily basis.

“Food parcels are only ever an emergency fix - what we need to see is longer term solutions to help the most vulnerable.

“Many people rely on food banks because they have been pushed into debt following the five week wait for Universal Credit payments and we are calling for an end to this dangerous delay.

“Too often, we find Universal Credit works against those in need: not only are people pushed into debt while trying and making it through to their first payment, it fails to properly identify and support people with complex needs, including mental ill health. The system is then unable to respond quickly to changing circumstances.

“We know through our network of Employment Plus services, debt advice centres and food banks at corps (churches) that treating each person as an individual is the key to making a difference in people’s lives and Universal Credit must do the same.”