THOUSANDS of emergency food supplies continue to be handed out in Rugby each year.
Rugby Foodbank handed out 4,185 three-day emergency food parcels in the borough in the last 12 months – 1,590 of them to children – up slightly from 4,123 in the previous year.
Staff at the Foodbank – a member of The Trussell Trust’s network which has reported a UK-wide increase in foodbank use – believe the local need is due to people struggling with benefit payment complications, issues with Universal Credit, and insecure work.
Echoing concerns of other foodbanks in full Universal Credit rollout areas such as Rugby, Foodbank staff say people ask for their help due to the initial wait for Universal Credit payments, the lack of available statutory support and the inability of payments to cover the cost of living.
Rugby Foodbank’s director Corinne Mason said she and her colleagues did not want the Foodbank to be needed forever.
She said: “No one in Rugby should need a foodbank’s help, and we want to see an end to local people needing emergency food.
“It doesn’t have to be this way. With a benefits system that catches people before they fall into crisis, and secure work that provides people with enough money to cover the cost of essentials, this is possible. But until that time, we’ll continue to provide vital support when it matters most.”
She added she was incredibly grateful to all who donate, and to Asda, Co-op, Sainsbury’s and Tesco for installing permanent collection points in their stores.
Rugby’s Conservative MP Mark Pawsey said the Government had responded to concerns raised by the Trussell Trust and others about the roll-out of Universal Credit.
He said: “The reasons that some people need to use food banks are complex and often not related to one single issue.
“However, I am pleased that any household that needs it will be able to access a full month’s payment as an advance within five days of applying.
“In addition, from February 2018 the initial seven-day waiting period has been removed so that entitlement to Universal Credit starts on the very first day of the application. It is important to note that these changes are not reflected in the figures released today.
“I will of course continue to work closely with the Trussell Trust, Rugby Borough Council and Hope4 to ensure that every local resident gets the help to which they are entitled. I am also looking forward to meeting with the Trussell Trust this week in Parliament and visiting Hope4 in Rugby in the near future to discuss these issues in greater detail.”
Rugby Foodbank has been providing emergency food and support to local people since March 2012. The Rugby community donated 56 tonnes of food over the last 12 months. Its annual running costs are around £14,000 a year, including transport, utilities, insurances, printing and a part-time administrator.
The Foodbank is on the lookout for larger warehouse and distribution premises in the town centre. Visit www.rugby.foodbank.org.uk for more information.
