You’ve probably heard the news stories – nurses needing food banks, teachers needing food banks, police officers needing food banks.
Research conducted by the Trussell Trust, identified the majority of people (86%) at food banks are not in work and experiencing an issue with the benefits system.
1 in 7 people at food banks are in employment, or live with someone who is – the majority of that work is part-time. We know many people at food banks are single parents or have a health issue – two things that not only put particular pressure on budgets so make people more likely to need food banks, but also make it harder to access the work place, and stay in it.
'State of Hunger' report
The new figures come just a week after the Trussell Trust released 'State of Hunger', the most in-depth study ever published into hunger and the reasons for food bank use in the UK.
The research revealed:
The average weekly income of households at food banks is only £50 after paying rent
One in five have no money coming in at all in the month before being referred for emergency food
94% of people at food banks are destitute.
Reasons for people needing emergency food
The main reasons for people needing emergency food are:
Low benefit income (36%)
Delays (18%) or changes (16%) to benefits being paid.
'State of Hunger' shows there are three reasons for food bank use that happen together and leave people no protection from hunger and poverty.
These are:
Problems with the benefits system
Ill health or challenging life experiences
A lack of local support.
Five-week wait for Universal Credit
One of the key issues people at food banks face is the five-week wait for a first Universal Credit payment.
Although Universal Credit is not the only benefit payment people at food banks experience problems with, the majority (65%) of food bank referrals made in April – Sept 2019 because of a delay in benefits being paid in the UK were linked to Universal Credit.
At the moment, people moving onto the government’s new benefits system have to wait at least five weeks – and often longer – with no money. People can request an Advance Payment but this is a loan that must be paid back, often forcing people into debt.
How The Community Pavilion Can Help
If you need help from The Community Pavilion there are a few simple steps to follow.
1. Get in touch with us
If you email or text us we can talk through your situation and advise you on what we can offer in support.
2. Arrange a visit to The Community Pavilion
By visiting The Community Pavilion, you will be able to view the array of items we have available and to discuss further support available.
3. Collection of food parcels
As The Community Pavilion covers Slamannan and wider Upper Braes area, and run by a team of volunteers - all food parcels require to be collected.
Please get in touch with with The Community Pavilion to find out more.