Food bank bosses today delivered a joint letter to 10 Downing Street warning of “unsustainable” demand for their services and calling for measures to prevent a winter of hunger for thousands across the UK.
A delegation of representatives from The Trussell Trust, Independent Food Aid Network (IFAN) and Feeding Britain warned local operations were running out of food because of unprecedented demand for their services.
The Grocer has previously revealed growing concern over the thousands of families facing food insecurity, with organisations including FareShare and the Felix Project warning they are facing soaring demand at the same time as spiralling energy costs.
Donations from supermarket customers and the levels of surplus going to redistribution charities have also been hit by the economic situation.
Today’s letter warned PM Liz Truss that organisations were “overstretched and exhausted” with many at “breaking point”.
“People who were already unable to afford food are being hit the hardest by relentless rises in energy, food, and travel costs,” the letter added.
“Every day we meet people who are skipping meals so they can feed their children and turning off their cooker or fridge so they can cover other essential costs. People who used to donate to food banks are now needing to seek our support. And the next 12 months look bleaker still.
“Many of our teams are struggling to cope as demand for our support outstrips our food and financial donations and we are forced to make difficult decisions about how we operate.”
Last week a new drive was launched by the Food Foundation to try to persuade the government to expand free school meals to all children in families receiving universal credit.
New research conducted by accountants PwC on behalf of Impact on Urban Health claimed the move could inject up to £41.3bn into the economy, at a time when companies are facing huge supply chain pressures.
“Our research shows millions of people in receipt of universal credit have experienced severe financial hardship this summer due to the rising cost of living, “said Emma Revie, CEO of The Trussell Trust.
“Two in five people claiming benefits have needed to skip meals to keep up with other essential living costs. We are deeply concerned this situation will become worse for thousands of people as we move into winter.”
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