Figures obtained by Left Foot Forward show the coalition has presided over a shocking growth in the number of people using food banks to feed themselves and their families.
The Guardian reports today that government officials have commissioned an investigation into the recent growth in the number of food banks, soup kitchens and school breakfast clubs as austerity hits the living standards of Britain’s poorest.
The research will examine the extent and effectiveness of emergency food aid and will explore what causes ‘at-risk individuals’ to become ‘food aid users’.
As the graph below shows, while the number of people using food banks increased in the years immediately preceding the coalition’s austerity drive, since 2009-10 the number of people being fed by food banks has trebled.
Data shown to Left Foot Forward by the Trussell Trust also shows that in January of this year alone a staggering 35,095 people were fed by the network of over 300 food banks.
If the current trend is repeated throughout the rest of the year, just under half a million people will have used an emergency food bank before the year is out.
What a damning indictment of George Osborne’s failed austerity drive.
To reach hundreds of thousands of new readers and to make the biggest impact we can in the next general election, we need to grow our donor base substantially.
That's why in 2024, we are seeking to generate 150 additional regular donors to support Left Foot Forward's work.
We still need another 124 people to donate to hit the target. You can help. Donate today.
9 Responses to “The human face of austerity: Coalition presides over shocking food bank rise”
LB
Nazi – national socialists – clues in the name.
So how’s the campaign going to kick out all foreigners? Signed up any new members?
Newsbot9
Yes, the clue’s in the fact it’s anti-communism, and nothing to do with the left. But you’d rather talk about your holocaust denial.
And keep on trying to say I’m running your campaign. Typical slander. I’m for deporting serious criminals like you, not “foreigners”.
LB
ah yes. Slander someone and blame them for it. Stalinist Russian that one.
Newsbot9
Yes, thanks for admitting you are. And right, Stalinist for the rich, corporatism for the poor. The usual. Thanks also for admitting where you’re from…not surprised!
Keep talking about anything except the shortfall of food among the poor you’re causing.