Over 5,000 food parcels distributed in Wiltshire in first six months of pandemic
Food banks have seen a huge increase in demand because of the coronavirus crisis.
Last updated 12th Nov 2020
New figures released by the Trussell Trust has shown that between April 1st and September 30th 2020, 5,047 emergency food parcels were given out to struggling people in Wiltshire.
That includes 1,967 that were distributed to children during the first six months of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The charity, which was founded in Salisbury, have seen a big increase in the need for their food banks around the UK.
In total, 1.2 million parcels were handed out, the busiest half a year the charity has ever experienced.
2,600 packages were given out every day to children.
MORE IN NEED OF HELP
The Trussell Trust are worried that their own figures are just the tip of the iceberg.
They're warning that there are countless numbers of people that have been helped by community groups and other charities throughout this difficult time.
Emma Revie, chief executive of the Trussell Trust, said:
"Throughout 2020, communities across the country have stepped in to provide vital support to people left without enough money. Volunteers in food banks have been working hard under extremely difficult circumstances to make sure support is there for people struggling to afford essentials. But it’s not right that any of us are forced to a charity for food, at any time of year.
In the last few weeks, we’ve seen incredible compassion and concern for people facing hunger following Marcus Rashford’s brilliant campaigning. And it's hugely welcome to see the government build on steps already taken by providing significant new funding for local councils in England. This vital local support must work in coordination with a national welfare system that is strong enough to act as a lifeline to anyone struggling to afford the essentials.
This pandemic has shown the unexpected can hit us suddenly, with devastating consequences for people’s lives. But it’s also shown we can make huge changes to the way we live and look after each other. It’s shown that when we come together to push for change, the government responds. Together, we can build a hunger free future."
OTHER SUPPORT NEEDED
Man United and England footballer Marcus Rashford has been campaigning for weeks to get the government to continue their free school meals project throughout the school holidays.
It was initially rejected by MPs but a recent conversation between Rashford and the Prime Minister has seen the government u-turn on their decision.
The charity are grateful for the support, but say more is going to be needed to make sure everyone gets the support they require, as they're expecting an extremely busy winter, particularly as redundancies recently hit a record high.
They want them to ensure money is kept in the pockets of people who need it most by:
- Locking in the £20 rise to Universal Credit, brought in at the start of the pandemic, and making sure that people currently excluded, such as people receiving payments through the legacy system, get this money too
- Helping people hold on to more of their benefits by suspending benefit debt deductions until a fairer approach to repayments can be introduced
They are also asking anyone who wants to 'end the injustice of people needing food banks' to join the campaign for a 'Hunger Free Future'.
You can find out more by visiting the Trussell Trust website.