As shocking pictures of huge, socially distanced queues outside a London food bank were released today, The Trussell Trust has reported a soaring 89% increase in the need for emergency food parcels during April 2020.
The figures, which compare to this time last year, also include a 107% rise in parcels given to children and a 95% increase in the number of parcels going to families with children. Foodbanks in the Independent Food Aid Networld (IFAN) have also reported a 175% increased in need for the same period.
A coalition of charities are now calling for local authorities in England to ensure grants are quickly distributed to help people stay afloat, as part of the temporary Coronavirus Emergency Income Support Scheme.
The Trussell Trust’s network say this is their busiest month ever. Lockdown happened on March 23 – and stats are only in for April. The queues around the Dads House charity yesterday would suggest that the current situation is only more fraught. And charities warn that with many furlough-type schemes being wound down in the coming months, further action is needed to help people stay afloat.
The group have made a number of suggestions alongside their grants, including increasing benefits to families to help with the cost of raising children and lifting the benefit cap.
It’s in our power to protect one another, we’ve seen it during this health crisis, and we need it to continue during this economic one.
Chief executive of the Trussell Trust Emma Revie said the rise in need was ‘unprecedented and not right.’ She continued: ‘People need to be able to put food on their table. The government must put urgent support in place to ensure people already struggling to keep their heads above water can stay afloat. We have outlined what we need our government to do – it’s in our power to protect one another, we’ve seen it during this health crisis, and we need it to continue during this economic one.’
The pictures and statistics are in stark contrast to the jokes about weight gain and the Instagrammable dinners cooked by webinar that many of us have enjoyed since lockdown began – and are a reminder of the economic situation we are in, one that is sure to get much worse for many before it gets better.
So, while the government needs to make the biggest shift, if you are in a position to do so, it’s worth remembering that there are many ways you can also support your local foodbank.
While many of us will have become accustomed to dropping some items into our local foodbanks or collection areas at local supermarkets before coronavirus, those donations have been hugely affected by social distancing measures and an increase in online shopping.
Where possible, you can still donate online, volunteer and fundraise for your local foodbank. There’s lots of information on The Trussell Trust website. Or just check social media – a quick search on Twitter shows local foodbanks in need of drivers and specific items. You could even write to your MP if you share the charities’ concerns.
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