[joeysteele]

Originally Posted by MTVN

Sure but the huge increase in the number of food banks means that more people can now be referred surely, the supply has finally started to catch up with a need that was always there. I can understand the criticism of cutting charity funding but the Trussell Trust has never received government funding anyway, and I suppose there's always a risk that when charities are government funded they might lose their independence which is so important to their operations

They are good points too.
However I didn't say the Trussell trust got funding, it is some other charities that to get funding from the govt; for their work,that have had the funding reduced or even stopped altogether.
They are the charities that in part help assess and find those who need help with food and then get them referred to the foodbanks.

The Trussel trust relies on companies and shoppers for the goods they can give out as emergency food rations for a limited time.
The very fact the word ration has to be used again is one of the saddest for me.

I just think it wrong that in my Country, the UK,in the 21st century that anyone,has to use something called a foodbank.
While those in power do not a thing to alter the situation.
It makes me feel shame as to what is supposed to be a great Nation, even when I am just helping out at one.

Now, Kazanne made another good point,as to wasted food.
Across the UK everyday, food still edible is being thrown out left,right and centre.
Companies could do a lot more to solve that,firstly by reducing the price in the first place and although I am against vouchers,the govt; could give a card to vulnerable people that would get them something like 25% off the cost of their shopping,possibly say once a month.
All that would help and it would be surprising how much it would too.
Leaving people with dignity still, and addressing the problem in some way at least at likely very little cost too.

That is just something I am just throwing out that I think could be done by govt;and enacted by supermarkets.
For instance, places can offer 10% off here and there for Pensioners and Students for goods and services,so clearly it can be easy to do.
My annoyance is govts; don't even look at what they could do to help.

Then charities could get back to giving advice and practical support as to their various identities,the way they used to before having to take on, vulnerable people, needing help now and then, with food.