Struggling Food Banks Set For ‘Nightmarish' Winter

Squeeze on supply as demand soars after benefits cut

- Adam Forrest

The majority of food banks have seen demand soar in the weeks since universal credit was cut, and are warning of a “heartbreaking” winter ahead as they struggle with dwindling stock levels.

Charities told The Independent they are worried the squeeze in the food supply means they may be forced to turn hungry families away in the months ahead.

A survey carried out by the Independent Food Aid Network (Ifan) found 66 per cent of food banks have seen an increase in the need for help over the past few weeks, as the £20-a-week cut in universal credit hits home.

The mid-October survey, shared with The Independent, showed 63 per cent of food banks have also experienced problems with stock due to the supply chain crisis.

Some 45 per cent of food bank managers in the network said they would have to consider reducing the size of their food parcels – or even turning away new people coming to them for help.

William McGranaghan, who runs Dad’s House food bank in London’s West Brompton area, said demand for food parcels has shot up from around 250 to 400 households in the past few weeks.

“It’s dire out there,” he said. “The universal credit cut is a nightmare, because £86 a month is a lot. It’s pushed people into trouble quickly. And it’s happening as we’re seeing the squeeze on supply. We rely on donations at supermarkets and the big surplus charities and they just don’t have as much to give us.”

Mr McGranaghan added: “I fear we’re going to be struggling to get enough in the next couple of months and some of our own shelves will be empty. I’m not looking forward to telling people, ‘Sorry – we don’t have any food’. It could be heartbreaking.”