Posts in 'News'

Over half of people receiving Universal Credit unable to afford enough food

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The Trussell Trust has today published new research that reveals the devastating consequences of the inadequacy of Universal Credit across the UK. The anti-poverty charity is urging the Chancellor to take urgent action to increase long-term support for people struggling to get by on Universal Credit and commit to extending the Household Support Fund as soon as possible. (more…)

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We’ve partnered with BanktheFood

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The Trussell Trust has partnered with BanktheFood, a small charity helping food banks get essential supplies, to ensure that our food banks get the items they need the most so they can continue supporting people facing hardship in their local communities. The partnership will make it easier for people across the UK to find out the best items to donate to their local food bank. (more…)

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Talking to politicians about building a future where no one needs a food bank

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Left to right: Event sponsor and Conservative MP for Preseli Pembrokeshire, Rt Hon Stephen Crabb MP, lived experience speaker, Val McKie, and Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary, Liz Kendall MP. (Copyright Georgie Scott/Trussell Trust)

By Beatrice Orchard – Senior Policy and Public Affairs Manager

Yesterday, we hosted an event in the House of Commons to talk about what is pushing people to food banks, and about the building blocks that are needed to end hunger for good. 

The event brought MPs together with staff and volunteers from our food banks, people with their own experiences of poverty and hunger, and our partners in the charity and business sectors. 

(more…)

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Celebrities join Essentials Guarantee campaign

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Dozens of celebrities and faith leaders, including Ed Sheeran, Jodie Whittaker and Liam Gallagher, have signed an open letter demanding politicians address the growing levels of poverty in the UK.

The letter was co-written by the Trussell Trust and Joseph Rowntree Foundation, and calls for political leaders to commit to an ‘Essentials Guarantee’ in their 2024 election manifestos, to ensure the basic rate of Universal Credit covers the cost of life’s essentials. (more…)

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Our response to the Autumn Statement

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By Rory Weal – Senior Policy and Public Affairs Manager

Chancellor’s decision to uprate benefits and housing costs will ease some of the pressures driving people to food banks – but long-term action is needed.

(more…)

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1.5 million food parcels distributed as need continues to soar

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New figures released today by the Trussell Trust reveal that 1.5 million emergency food parcels were provided to people between April and September 2023 by food banks in the charity’s UK-wide network. This is the most parcels that the network has ever distributed at this point in the year and represents a 16% increase from the same period in 2022.

Low incomes, especially from social security, debt, health conditions and issues with social security payments such as delays or sanctions were the main reasons people were left with no option but to turn to a food bank for help. (more…)

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