Between April 2020 and March 2021 foodbanks in the Trussell Trust Scotland network gave more than 220,000 emergency food parcels to people facing crisis. More than 77,000 of these went to children – that’s a parcel every seven minutes. This highlights an alarming 63% rise compared to this time five years ago. This isn’t right.
Since the Covid-19 pandemic hit, more people than ever have experienced destitution, unable to afford the essentials that we all need to survive.
Here at East Lothian Foodbank we have seen unprecedented numbers of people in need of support as the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic hit people’s incomes and livelihoods. From April 2020 until March 2021 we gave out 2879 parcels, feeding 6950 people, a third of whom were children. Worryingly, these figures are just the tip of the iceberg with unprecedented numbers of people being helped by other food aid providers and community-based groups, including many new ones, that provided emergency food during the pandemic.
Compassion, care, and dignity are at the heart of everything we do. But we simply can’t allow food banks to become part of the fabric of our communities. No one should be forced to turn to a food bank for support.
That’s why we’re supporting the Trussell Trust’s movement for a hunger free future. We’ll continue to do all we can to help people in crisis in our local area but it’s time for change. Together, we can create a future where everyone can afford the basics, a better, more just society where no one goes hungry.
You can find out more about the movement and sign up here.