This month the Trussell Trust released devastating, record statistics of food bank need as more people than ever are going without the essentials we all need to get by.
Close to 3 million (2,986,203) emergency food parcels were given out by food banks in the Trussell Trust network between April 2022 and March 2023. More than a million food parcels were given to children.
While the cost of living crisis and the pandemic have placed additional pressures on incomes, this year’s rise is part of a longer-term trend in levels of need. Alarmingly, the number of parcels provided this year is more than double the amount distributed five years ago.
How can this be right in one of the wealthiest countries in the world?
Our social security system should offer support to anyone in need of help, but right now it’s not providing enough to cover the cost of life’s essentials, with most people at food banks in receipt of Universal Credit.
This can and must change. We’re calling on the UK government to introduce an Essentials Guarantee into our social security system which would ensure that the basic rate of Universal Credit is at least enough to afford the essentials we all need, such as food, energy or vital household goods.
Join us in calling on the UK government to guarantee our essentials and, together, make sure that every MP hears about the campaign.
By emailing your MP and calling for their support, you’re raising awareness of the Essentials Guarantee and helping to create change.
