We're working on trying to make the system work for all. Unfortunately, the people that it doesn't work for tend to be the most vulnerable, who we tend to see in Food Banks.
In this episode I speak with Hannah-Mae Trow, of the Trussell Trust. We speak about the work of the Trussell Trust and what food banks are, and seek to achieve. We also speak about the relationship between the government Department of Work and Pensions, The DWP and those who rely on food banks and why.
This really is a shocking topic, with figures from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation estimating that more than 2.4 million people experienced destitution at some point in 2019, including over half a million children, which is an increase of over 50% when last measured in 2017.
Certainly the Covid-19 pandemic has made things even tougher for many more people, with food and work insecurity becoming an increasing issue. And this crisis is certainly worthy of more coverage from us, at Charity Chat, so consider this an introductory episode that we will build upon in the coming weeks and months.
Universal Credit and Food Bank use: https://www.trusselltrust.org/what-we-do/research-advocacy/universal-credit-and-foodbank-use/
Welfare changes key factor in rising poverty and food bank use: https://www.theguardian.com/society/2019/nov/05/welfare-changes-key-factor-rising-poverty-food-bank-use-study-finds
Marcus Rashford Manchester United player and campaign to feed vulnerable British children: https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/manchester-united/marcus-rashford-family-man-utd-b1775075.html