UK foodbank use has reached record levels

The need for foodbanks is an unfortunate symptom of the current economic situation in the UK. Despite a number of years passing since the onset of the financial crisis, the numbers given emergency food have continued to grow. In 2014/15 a staggering 1.08 million were given the lifeline of three days emergency sustenance by Trussell Trust foodbanks. Chief amongst the reasons for referrals to the banks are delays in receiving benefits and low income.

Despite this dire situation, thousands of tonnes of edible food are being converted into energy or fertiliser because of Government subsidies that make this a more financially attractive option. You can read more on this subject in the Independent.