Demand for UK Food Bank Up 15% Year on Year
15 hours ago
- #cost-of-living
- #poverty
- #food-banks
- A Kent mother describes the hardship of raising four children on benefits, relying on food banks for essentials.
- The Canterbury food bank now distributes over 1,100 parcels monthly, up from 450 in 2019, ranking in the top 5% nationally.
- Food bank expenses have surged from £3,000 to £10,000 monthly due to rising demand and food prices.
- UK inflation eased to 3.6%, but food and drink prices rose to 4.9%, worsening family budgets.
- The two-child benefit cap exacerbates poverty; lifting it could help 350,000 children escape hardship.
- Donations to the food bank have dropped by £80,000 over two years, while demand has risen 15%.
- Poverty in Canterbury is deepening, with insecure jobs and low wages prevalent in the seaside town.
- Food banks have professionalized, becoming a permanent part of the welfare state amid widespread need.
- The food bank now includes fresh food and offers next-day delivery to meet growing demand efficiently.