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New figures from the Trussell Trust show that 3,109 of three day emergency food parcels were handed out in West Lothian between 1st April and 30 September this year, including 1,058 provided for children.
The statistics released show April to September 2019 to be the busiest half-year period for food banks in the Trussell Trust’s network since the charity opened.
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.
Angela Constance, MSP for Almond Valley said:
“Across Scotland and West Lothian we continue to see a rise in demand for help from Food banks and we know that the reasons for this are welfare cuts and the disastrous role out of Universal Credit pushing more people into poverty.
“Food bank organisers and volunteers are dedicated and compassionate individuals but, let’s be clear, food banks should not be needed in a resource rich country like Scotland. It is unacceptable that food bank provision has become commonplace.
ENDS
Notes
New data released today shows April to September 2019 to be the busiest half-year period for food banks in the Trussell Trust’s network since the charity opened. During the six months, 107,609 three-day emergency food parcels were given to people in crisis in the Scotland; more than a third of these (35,464) went to children.
This is a 22% increase on the same period in 2018 – the sharpest rate of increase the charity has seen for the past five years.
The main reasons for people needing emergency food in Scotland are low benefit income (38%), and delays (19%) or changes (17%) to benefits being paid.
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 Trussell Trust’s statistics:
About The Trussell Trust:
01506 460403
angela.constance.msp@parliament.scot
Unit 4, Ochil House, Beveridge Square, Livingston, West Lothian, EH54 6QF