TORY WELFARE CUTS DRIVING EDINBURGH FOOD BANK DEMAND
New figures from the Trussell Trust show that thousands of three day emergency food parcels were handed out in Edinburgh this year.
Between 1 April 2019 and 30 September 2019, across Edinburgh, 10,880 three day emergency food supplies were provided to people in crisis by food banks in the Trust’s network – including 3,198 provided for children.
The statistics released today show that April to September 2019 is the busiest half-year period for food banks in the Trussell Trust’s network since the charity opened.
These figures follow a trend of increased food bank demand since the roll out of the UK Government’s Universal Credit policy says SNP candidiate Sarah Masson.
The main reasons cited for people needing emergency food in Scotland are low benefit income (38%), and delays (19%) or changes (17%) to benefits being paid.
SNP candidate for Edinburgh West, Sarah Masson, said: “The SNP has strongly opposed the benefits freeze, the two child cap and the disastrous roll out of Universal Credit but these callous Tory welfare cuts have pushed more and more Scots into poverty.
“This increased reliance on food banks in Edinburgh is the most damning indictment of the UK Government’s approach to our society’s most vulnerable people.
“Food bank organisers and volunteers are dedicated and compassionate individuals but, let’s be clear, they should not be needed. It is unacceptable that food bank provision has become commonplace under the Tories’ watch.
“The upcoming election is a chance to hold the Tories to account – and the SNP are the only party who can stop the Tories.
“Scotland must have the option to escape yet more Tory austerity.”
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 drivers of 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
