Food banks warn demand has reached crisis point
Summary
Food banks in the UK report a significant increase in demand as more people struggle with hunger due to poverty. This demand has reached crisis levels, and food banks are finding it hard to meet the needs with declining donations. The UK government has stated its intention to address the growing reliance on food banks.Key Facts
- More than 14.1 million people in the UK went hungry in the last year due to poverty, an increase from 11.6 million in 2022.
- Nourish Community Foodbank in Kent reports a 37% increase in referrals this year, indicating a severe rise in demand.
- Food banks are receiving less in monetary donations, making it challenging to continue operations.
- Nourish Community Foodbank now has to purchase 75% of the food it distributes as donations have decreased.
- Faversham Food Bank has experienced a drop in donations and is considering buying food to meet demand.
- This summer, Kent County Council introduced a food voucher scheme for families, but applications closed on August 26.
- The UK government plans to extend free school meals and has allocated £1 billion for crisis support reforms.
- The government will publish a new strategy from the Child Poverty Taskforce later this year.
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