Food ‘crisis’ as Brixton and Norwood Foodbank feeds 9,000 people in a year

Volunteers at the Foodbank
Volunteers at the Foodbank

Poor people in Lambeth are struggling more than ever to afford even to eat according to a report from the Trussell Trust today.

In the last year, the Brixton and Norwood Foodbank, run by the Trussell Trust, saw a 31 percent rise in people coming to the Foodbank for help. A staggering 8,788 people received three days’ emergency food, compared to 6,693 in the previous year.

Lambeth has fed almost three times the amount of people in need than any other London borough. 

Jon Taylor, Brixton Foodbank branch manager, said: “I am stunned and saddened by these latest figures. With 127 per cent rise in foodbank users in London, and with the most recipients coming from my own borough, something needs to be done urgently.

foodbank-gallery-images-foodbank_gallery_1.1“We’re seeing growing numbers turning to Norwood and Brixton Foodbank for help, which shouldn’t be happening in the seventh richest country in the world. The reality is that life is very difficult for people on low income, and increasing numbers are struggling to make ends meet, hitting a crisis where they cannot afford food.

“We don’t think anyone should have to go hungry, which is why we’re so grateful for the incredible generosity of local people in donating food, funds and time to stop local hunger.”

The Trussell Trust, which runs Foodbanks across the country, has reported that benefits cuts alongside rising living costs, underemployment and static wages have caused more people to be referred to them in the last year. Over 50% of referrals were a result of benefit changes or delays in benefit payments.

If you wish to donate food or time to the Brixton Foodbank please go to www.norwoodbrixton.foodbank.org.uk.

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