Sign up to FREE email alerts from MyLondon - MySouthLondon News Subscribe Thank you for subscribing See our privacy notice Invalid Email

It's terrifying how a simple change in circumstance can send people spiralling below the breadline.

If your benefits change or are delayed, or you lose a job, it could have you turning to your local food bank for help feeding you and your family.

The Trussell Trust has released figures which show a worrying rise in the number of emergency parcels being given out by food banks across London - and increasingly it's children who are in need of the help.

The charity has shared data with MyLondon which reveals exactly how many emergency three-day parcels for one were given between April 2018 and March 2019 by London borough.

These are the boroughs where the most were given by food banks - and where the least were given.

(Image: MyLondon)

Lambeth was where the most parcels were given out in that period, totalling 16,612. This was followed by Hammersmith & Fulham (11,684), and Ealing (11,546).

Meanwhile, the least parcels were given by the Trussell Trust in Kensington & Chelsea (685), City of Westminster (1,257) and Croydon (1,932).

Benefits not covering living costs as well as changes and delays to benefits, such as Universal Credit, were among the most common reasons given for needing the emergency supplies.

Trussell Trust is now campaigning to end Universal Credit's five week wait, which it claims is forcing people to turn to food banks for help with basic needs.

“What we are seeing year-upon-year is more and more people struggling to eat because they simply cannot afford food. This is not right," said Emma Revie, the Trussell Trust’s chief executive.

(Image: Leon Neal/Getty Images)

“Enough is enough. We know this situation can be fixed – that’s why we’re campaigning to create a future where no one needs a food bank. Our benefits system is supposed to protect us all from being swept into poverty.

"Universal Credit should be part of the solution but currently the five week wait is leaving many without enough money to cover the basics. As a priority, we’re urging the government to end the wait for Universal Credit to ease the pressure on thousands of households.

“Ultimately, it’s unacceptable that anyone should have to use a food bank in the first place. No charity can replace the dignity of having financial security. That’s why in the long-term, we’re urging the Government to ensure benefit payments reflect the true cost of living and work is secure, paying the real Living Wage, to help ensure we are all anchored from poverty.”

Volunteer 'thrown into an unknown world' when she needed a food bank

Shirley, who had to use a food bank herself and now volunteers for Southwark Foodbank said: “No one should need to ever use a food bank but sometimes things happen to people that are completely out of their control like an illness, disability, family breakdown or the loss of a job.





“I was thrown into an unknown world. I didn’t have any money for three months while waiting for Universal Credit. I couldn’t pay my rent and I had to work out whether to eat in the morning or the afternoon because I didn’t have enough money for the basics.



“The food bank got me back on my feet and offered me hope that things would get better. I’m a great believer in giving back and that’s why I volunteer my time at Southwark Foodbank. People shouldn’t feel embarrassed if they’re forced to use a food bank – they are there to help you."

So what can you do to help?

As well as food items, food banks around London also provide hygiene products to people in need.

The Trussell Trust advises anyone who wants to donate to get in touch with their local food bank to find out what there's a shortage of - they might have plenty of pasta but not enough tinned pulses, for example.

A typical food parcel includes:

Cereal

Soup

Pasta

Rice

Tinned tomatoes/ pasta sauce

Lentils, beans and pulses

Tinned meat

Tinned vegetables

Tea/coffee

Tinned fruit

Biscuits

UHT milk

Fruit juice

Non-food items such as toiletries and hygiene products

The Trussell trust also accepts donations to help continue their work in local communities.