Daniel Zeichner, MP for Cambridge, writes on the increase in foodbank use, which he describes as a "national shame". Let us know what you think at: debbie.davies@newsquest.co.uk.

He writes that he has urged the Government to do more to prevent poverty and hunger, in response to new Trussell Trust statistics released on November 9.

"The charity’s UK-wide network of foodbanks distributed a record number of emergency food parcels between April and September 2023 – higher than ever for this six-month period. 

According to the Trussell Trust, a record 540,000 emergency food parcels were provided to support more than 265,000 children across the UK. The statistics also revealed that 320,000 people have needed to use a foodbank for the first time in the past six months. The Trussell Trust warn that foodbanks are at breaking point.  

Foodbanks do incredible work, and I was delighted to support our own Cambridge Food Bank earlier this year.

However, the existence of foodbanks in modern society is a national shame, and these increases as reported by the Trussell Trust are deeply alarming. The Government needs to properly set out how it will prevent the need for food bank usage, along with its plan to eliminate poverty for children, families, and all people across the country’.  

Daniel Zeichner MP for Cambridge

www.danielzeichner.co.uk

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