Shocking figures released today by the Trussell Trust suggest nearly 1,400 Salford children have received food from a local food bank in the past year.
The charity operates food banks across the country, including at Mocha Parade in Lower Broughton.
Salford Central food bank says it provided 3,285 three-day emergency food packages to local people in 2015-16.
That’s up from 3,176 in 2014-15.
Of those, 1,395 receiving food were children.
At the Salford Central the top three reasons why people were referred to the food bank were: changes to their benefits under Universal Credit; delays in receiving new benefits; and low income in general.
As well as providing emergency food, it provides essentials like washing powder, nappies and hygiene products to families who are struggling, as well as signposting them to other services in the local area.
It’s clear that the need for food banks is not in decline. There is, in fact, a steady upward trend.
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Over the last year, local people have donated 23 tonnes of food to Salford Central Foodbank, and over 60 volunteered.
Data revealed by the Trussell Trust suggests food bank use is highest in areas where many people are unable to work due to illness or disability or are skilled manual workers.
It’s hoped new analysis of how people use food banks and why will help them target resources where they’re needed most.
Mark Whittington, Salford Central Foodbank Manager, says: “We are still seeing an increase in the number of three day emergency food supplies provided to local people in crisis in the last year.
“It is all too easy when you look at figures to forget the real people behind the statistics.
“Last week, one dad visited the foodbank after he had recently started working after a period of unemployment.
“With a delay in receiving payment of his working benefits, and not being paid for two weeks meant he was unable to afford food for his family.
“That’s why the foodbank is so vital.
“We are very grateful for the ongoing support of the community, and hope that one day there will be no need for us in Salford.”
David McAuley, Chief Executive of The Trussell Trust said: “Today’s figures on national food bank use prove that the numbers of people hitting a crisis where they cannot afford food are still far too high.
“One million three day food supplies given out by our foodbanks every year is one million too many.
“This many people needing emergency food must not become the new normal.
“I’m calling on Government, the voluntary sector, businesses and communities to work together to tackle hunger and poverty in the UK. This has to be a society-wide effort.”
