Bassetlaw food bank seeing demand continue to rise

The figures show that 174.43 tonnes of food were donated to food banks in the Trussell Trust’s network in the east midlands in December 2019, as donations from the public kept pace with the increased need for emergency food seen last year.

In response to this, the Trussell Trust is calling on the Government to end the five week wait for universal credit payments.

Although universal credit is not the only benefit payment people at food banks experience problems with, one of the key issues forcing people to food banks is the wait for a first payment.

A recent YouGov survey found that half of the UK public has taken action to address hunger and its causes in the last 12 months, with more than a third donating food to a food bank.

The Trussell Trust is asking the new Government to match the public’s commitment to stopping people going hungry by playing its part and sticking to its manifesto pledge to 'do more to make sure universal credit works for the most vulnerable'.

Emma Revie, chief executive of the Trussell Trust, said “Food banks in the east midlands were truly overwhelmed by the level of generosity from the public last Christmas.

“These donations show communities and individuals are doing what they can to help people facing hunger, but no charity can replace the dignity of having enough money to buy your own food.”

“We know this can change.

“It’s now time for our new Chancellor to do his part in the forthcoming budget and match these acts of compassion by doing the right thing and putting money back into the pockets of people who most need support.

While the amount of food donated allowed food banks to support increasing numbers of people, the Trussell Trust is also asking the public to check what items their local food bank is most in need of and to donate all year round to ensure vital support is available to local people in crisis, no matter the time of year.