New figures released this week by the Trussell Trust show the number of people turning to food banks in Wales has risen by over 120% in the last year. 35,000 people have visited a food bank for emergency food since April 2012. The Trust receives support from Oxfam’s UK Poverty Programme.
Head of Oxfam Cymru Julian Rosser told journalists: “These shocking figures show that a perfect storm of spiralling living costs, lack of decent, secure jobs and benefit changes are making it impossible for many people to feed themselves or their families. It’s clear there is a massive hole in the safety net when so many more people are being forced to rely on emergency food handouts.
“We are worried this could be just the tip of the iceberg as changes to the welfare system already in the pipeline could rip apart the safety net with devastating consequences for those in Wales who rely on it.
“The Government cannot ignore this situation any longer. Instead of taking money from people who can’t afford to buy enough food, they should be targeting companies and wealthy individuals who are dodging the taxes which are their fair contribution to our society.”
To find out more, visit www.trusselltrust.org