UK Foodbanks arrive in Kidderminster
13 million people live below the poverty line in the UK.
Every day people in the UK go hungry for reasons ranging from redundancy to receiving an unexpected bill on a low income. Trussell Trust foodbanks provide a minimum of three days emergency food and support to people experiencing crisis in the UK. Last year their UK foodbank network fed over 60,000 people experiencing food poverty. This year they will feed over 100,000 people.
They partner with churches and communities to open new foodbanks nationwide. With over 170 foodbanks currently launched, their goal is for every town to have one.
Foodbanks help prevent crime, housing loss, family breakdown and mental health problems. A simple box of food makes a big difference.
All food is donated by the public and sorted by volunteers. Frontline care professionals such as doctors and social workers identify people in crisis and issue a food voucher. Clients receive three days of nutritionally balanced, non-perishable food in exchange for their food voucher. Foodbanks also make time to chat and to signpost clients to other helpful services.
Why do people need emergency food?
Hunger is not just a third world problem. Today people across the UK will struggle to feed themselves and their families. Redundancy, illness, benefit delay, domestic violence, debt, family breakdown and paying for heating during winter are just some of the reasons why people go hungry.
This information was based upon information from the Trussell Trust based in Salisbury.
Kidderminster Foodbank is based down at Baxter Church in Kidderminster. For more information on how to donate or help contact Maureen Lewis on 01562 822771
