Food prices rising at fastest rate in 14 years
Stroud District Foodbank say they're not getting enough donations to cope with demand.
Last updated 31st Aug 2022
Food prices have risen at their fastest rate since 2008 this August. The British Retail Consortium (BRC) released figures showing that shop price annual inflation surged to 5.1%, up from 4.4% in July, marking a new record since they started in 2005.
The increase in shop prices is driven by food inflation accelerating to 9.3% in July, with fresh food such as milk and margarine seeing the biggest rise of 10.5%.
Manager of the Stroud District Foodbank Amanda Strover says compared to last year food referrals have more than doubled stating that "the cost of living crisis is forcing people into really tough decisions.
"As we stand at the moment we don't have enough food coming in to meet the increasing demand."
A big factor in the increase of referrals, according to Amanda Strover, is the return of schools next week which is forcing families to take difficult decisions between school equipment and food.
The British Retail Consortium says that this rise will only get worse with the war in Ukraine and will play a major role in contributing to the wider UK inflation, , which some analysts are predicting could top 18% in 2023.
BRC chief executive Helen Dickinson said "The situation is bleak for both consumers and retailers, but retail businesses will remain committed to supporting their customers through offering discounts to vulnerable groups, expanding value ranges, fixing prices of essentials, and raising staff pay.
"However, as retailers also grapple with growing cost pressures, there is only so much they can shoulder.
"The new prime minister will have an opportunity to relieve some of the cost burden bearing down on retailers, like the upcoming increase in business rates, in order to help retailers do more to help their customers."
The Trussell Trust that runs the Stroud District Foodbank, is now calling on people to write to their local MPs to call for a stronger social security system that supports people every day, not just in times of national crisis.