[joeysteele]

Originally Posted by MTVN

I agree, there are various factors like increased awareness, more referrals, a more concerted effort on the part of some charities etc. that have boosted the number of food banks massively, it would always have snowballed so it can be a bit of a fallacy to argue, say, that because ten times more people are using food banks than 5 years ago that ten times more people are in poverty. Germany has many more food banks than the UK has. That is not necessarily a bad thing, Smudgie's point is a very fair one that their growth also demonstrates the strength of charity in this country.

If it wasn't for the charities as Smudgie said, there likely would be fewer foodbanks,which would probably mean an even worse situation for those 'deemed' in poverty and needing that emergency assistance.
Not that we would likely hear of much of that,if that were the case.

Many charities,across the board, are clearing up the mess of both govts; over the last decade or so,however it is only this govt; who has cut charitable funding, so now it is even more stretched charities also dealing with the foodbank necessity.

It is shoppers in the main who supply the goods given out,which is wonderful to see and massively welcome.
However, charities should be being aided by govt; to make this service available,not have their funding cut to the bone and still be expected to.

The criteria for the use of foodbanks, remains the same too as it was before 2010, the CAB,social services, or charitable/welfare organisations have to assess people and refer them to a foodbank otherwise they cannot use them,resources are way too low.