World Hunger Day
World hunger day highlights the critical importance of accessing not just food but education, healthcare, and technology in ending hunger. Hunger and poverty are linked and having an education and the right support in place to create fair and equal opportunities, are key steps towards ending hunger. The end of hunger is possible when we have the right tools and resources to build up communities and create a better future.
In the UK around 8.4 million people struggle to afford to eat, that is the same number of people as the population of London. With 4.7 million of those living in food insecure homes. More than ever people are relying on going to a food bank to provide a meal for their families. This has only increase over the last year from the effects of the pandemic. Many councils and charities have stepped in to help raise more funds so that more people can access them. Charities like Fareshare help redistribute food that cannot be sold in shops to community groups and charities to create millions of meals for people. The Tussell Trust also helps to support food banks by providing emergency food and support to local communities. They help more than 1,200 food banks across the UK. No one should be left hungry or destitute. Illness, disability, family breakdown or the loss of a job can happen to any of us. We all might need to rely on a food bank if our situation changes.
How do food Banks work?
Food is donated:
Food is donated from schools, churches, businesses and individuals to the food bank. Food is also collected from supermarkets. They are always in date and non-perishable.
Food is sorted and stored:
Volunteers sort the food to check that it’s in date and store them ready to be given out. More than 40,000 people help at food banks across the UK
Pointing people in the right direction:
Food banks, doctors, teachers, health visitors and social workers help people out and let them know where they can access extra support when times are hard. You are give a voucher and advice about local support.
Collecting food:
You bring your voucher to the food bank centre and redeem it for a few days worth of food. They can also offer advice about other support and services you may need at the same time.
No one should be ashamed of seeking or looking for help and it could be the first step towards a brighter future and getting the correct support you need. If you are looking for help with food you can find a local food bank here: https://www.trusselltrust.org/get-help/find-a-foodbank/
If you need financial help and live in England or Wales, please call for free to talk confidentially to a trained Citizens Advice adviser on:
0808 208 2138 (open Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm, closed on public holidays)
You could also help others by fundraising, volunteering or donating food at your local supermarket if and when you can. However big or small you can help, it will go towards helping others live better.
More Helpful places:
Independent Food Aid Network – https://www.foodaidnetwork.org.uk/independent-food-banks-map
End Child Food Poverty- www.endchildfoodpoverty.org/help.
Covid-19 Mutual Aid UK- www.covidmutualaid.org.
The British Red Cross -The support line telephone number is 0808 196 3651 or https://www.redcross.org.uk
Feeding Britain – https://feedingbritain.org
Olio Food Sharing App – https://olioex.com
My Food Bank Finder – https://food.helpfinder.org.uk
