Foodbank use rises to record levels The number of people using foodbanks has risen to record levels according to figures that highlight the increasing desperation of […]

The number of people using foodbanks has risen to record levels according to figures that highlight the increasing desperation of deprived families.

Annual figures released by the Trussell Trust show the charity, which runs more than 400 foodbanks nationally, handed out more than 1.1 million three-day food supplies to people in crisis last year.

More than 70,000 more emergency supplies were handed out than in the previous year. The charity said almost 440,000 supplies went to children.

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Food banks see first-hand how changes to the welfare system affect people on the ground and so can offer an early warning to decision-makers. David McAuley, chief executive of the Trussell Trust

Foodbanks in areas where the new Universal Credit benefit was introduced saw an average increase in referrals for emergency food of almost 17 per cent.

The trust said the effect of a six-week waiting period for a first Universal Credit payment could be serious, leading to debt and rent arrears. Benefit delays and changes remain the biggest cause of someone being referred to a foodbank by a doctor, social worker or jobcentre.

David McAuley, chief executive of the Trussell Trust, said: “The move to simplify an often complex welfare system is a welcome one, but any large reform can have unforeseen consequences.

”Food banks see first-hand how changes to the welfare system affect people on the ground and so can offer an early warning to decision-makers.“

Hunger

The trust says it is sharing its observations with the Department for Work and Pensions to ensure any adverse side-effects of Universal Credit are addressed before the full rollout is completed and it has been ”heartened“ by the Work and Pensions Secretary Damian Green’s ”willingness to engage“.

Mr McAuley said: ”To stop UK hunger, we must make sure the welfare system really does work for everyone.“

The Trussell Trust has more than 420 food banks, with people having an average of two referrals in the past year.