Edinburgh food bank sees demand rise by 30% in September
More people in the Capital are turning to food banks as the cost of groceries reaches a 42-year-high
Last updated 19th Oct 2022
An Edinburgh food bank says demand for their services has shot up by 30% in the last month, as more people than ever in the Capital turn to charities for help.
Speaking to Radio Forth News, Bethany Biggar from Edinburgh Food Project said: "In comparison to August this year, we've already seen a 30% increase. And we knew it was going to happen. This September was the month that we went, it's happening.
"And it's just going to continue through the winter months, it's not going to get any easier, you now, in the run up the run up to Christmas, it's only going to get harder for people."
It comes as new figures reveal the rising cost of groceries is at a 42-year-high, and contributed to inflation rising to 10.1% in September.
Bethany also tells us: "I think during the past, we've always talked about people having to choose between heating or eating, they were now at the point people can't afford either, is not a choice, that there is no choice anymore. They can't afford either of them. And that's really concerning. "
Bethany said: "I think there's going to be so many people that are having access services, navigate systems that they've never been a part of before, that they've never been involved in. And that's terrifying."
We've always talked about people having to choose between heating or eating, we're now at the point people can't afford either.
"People are gonna get themselves into massive amounts of debt, trying to pay off things that they could afford a year ago, that were comfortable on a year ago, which aren't anymore." Bethany warns.
The Edinburgh Food Project operates 7 foodbanks across the north west, central and east of Edinburgh. As part of their More Than Food projects, they offer a range of support to people including housing and employment.
Food prices at 42-year-high
The cost of food and drink has increased at its sharpest rate since 1980, with surges in the prices of many key items in the average household's shopping basket.
The rise in the cost of groceries has been accelerated by the war in Ukraine, which has pushed up the cost of fertiliser and animal feed due to the impact on grain supply from the region.
Global meat prices have jumped as a result, while the knock-on effect to oil production in the regions has also hit the price of sunflower oil and other fats.
Food and drink prices have also been affected by the recent weakness in the pound, which has caused more expensive imported products and ingredients.
Karen Betts, chief executive of the Food and Drink Federation, said: "Food and drink manufacturers continue to do everything they can to keep product prices down, but huge rises in ingredient, raw material, energy and other costs mean they have no choice but to pass some price rises on."
Charities call for benefits to rise in line with inflation
Scottish Charities have called for benefits to be raised in line with inflation after the Consumer Prices Index showed the figure had reached a 40-year high.
Inflation reached 10.1% in September, compared with 9.9% in August, with the increase driven by food prices.
The former chancellor, Kwasi Kwarteng, said a decision on benefits would be announced on October 31st, but it is not clear whether Jeremy Hunt will be sticking to this timetable.
Charities, including Citizens Advice Scotland (CAS), said targeted support should come quicker than April, when changes in benefits are usually made.
CAS chief executive Derek Mitchell said: "These figures are a stark reminder that people are finding it harder than ever to put food on the table and keep their homes warm.
"Families everywhere are really struggling with stagnant incomes as prices soar.
"The Citizens Advice network can offer help and support but what is really needed here is some kind of intervention by government to help people through this crisis.
"This level of inflation is not normal, and it needs a better than normal response.
"The most positive thing the UK Government could do right now is commit to raising benefits to at least match inflation.
"That would give people on the lowest incomes a measure of security, and I hope the Chancellor will make this commitment in his statement at the end of the month."
Becca Lyon, head of child poverty at Save the Children, said: "The news inflation has risen to 10.1% heaps yet more anxiety onto low-income families, who are already on the brink.
"As well as rising bills, rent and transport costs, these inflation figures mean an average family of four is spending over £850 extra per year on groceries than last year. This is simply unacceptable.
"Parents we support have broken down in tears when opening their empty cupboards, and many have taken drastic measures - including skipping their own meals - to feed and clothe their children."
She added: "The UK Government has an opportunity to provide some much-needed reassurance to help parents and their children through this crisis and must commit to uprating benefits in line with inflation right now.
"It cannot wait until April - targeted support for low-income families is needed now to ensure children do not go hungry or cold this winter."
The UK Government has not said, when asked, when its decision on benefits will be announced.