Londoners are being urged by the Mayor, , to support the city’s network
of food banks to help some of the most vulnerable people in the
city.
Many of the capital’s food banks are struggling with a fall
in donations from the public, insufficient supplies from
supermarkets and a lack of volunteers.
The Trussell Trust and Independent Food Aid Network –
charities which represent food banks across London and the UK –
have recently reported some food banks have been forced to close
or are considering closing due to a shortage of food and
personnel.
Last year, the Mayor published a report which estimated
400,000 children and 1.5 million adults in London were living in
food insecurity – meaning they may not have enough money for
their next meal (1).
Thousands of Londoners on no or low incomes, including many
older people, those with disabilities, rough sleepers and asylum
seekers and migrants, rely on food banks each week to ensure they
and their families have enough to eat.
The difficulties they and other vulnerable people face have
increased in recent weeks due to the stringent but necessary
measures introduced by the Government to restrict the spread of
the coronavirus, including urging older people and those with
underlying health conditions to stay indoors.
Sadiq is calling on Londoners who are able to do so to make
a financial donation to city-wide organisations which operate
food banks, such as The Trussell Trust and the Independent Food
Aid Network.
He is also encouraging fit and healthy Londoners to
volunteer at their local food bank, even if they can only spare a
few hours each week and they understand how to do so while
staying safe.
Finally, he is also urging supermarkets to offer priority
delivery slots and remove any restrictions on online ordering for
emergency food aid providers, including food banks, women’s
refuges and homeless hostels.
Food banks will also welcome donations of food supplies,
but Londoners should only do this if it is safe to do so and does
not require additional trips outside, such as by donating at a
supermarket while also buying essentials for themselves and their
family.
The Mayor of London, ,
said: “In a city as prosperous as
London, everyone should have enough food for themselves and their
families – but the fact is many do not, a situation which has
been made even more difficult during the coronavirus
outbreak.
“I’m asking Londoners to do their bit to help those on low
incomes and other vulnerable people to ensure they can feed
themselves and their families by supporting their local food bank
– whether with a donation of food, money or their time, if they
are healthy and able to do so.
“London has faced some incredible challenges in the past
and I know that, working together, we will do so again.”
Emma Revie, chief executive of the Trussell Trust,
said: “Our main priority is ensuring the
safety of everyone who comes to a food bank – whether it’s
someone needing help, someone volunteering their time, or someone
making a donation. Food banks sometimes run low on certain items
and we know there are different pressures on stock levels in
different areas. We need help to get vital food to Londoners who
cannot afford the basics and to boost numbers in boroughs where
extra volunteers are needed.
“A crisis can often bring out the best in people. There are
two ways you can help people who need food banks in your area.
First, please carry on donating to your local food bank – you can
see what items they most need by checking their website and
donations of UHT milk, tinned meat and tinned fish are always
welcome. Second, if you are able, you could sign up as a
volunteer to help your local food bank pre-pack parcels or
deliver them to people’s homes. Thank you for your
support.”
Sabine Goodwin, Coordinator of the Independent Food
Aid Network: "We're so grateful to all
the Londoners who are doing what they can to support independent
food aid providers across the capital. But unless the Government
takes action to prevent people from falling into poverty this
situation will spiral out of control. Food bank teams are doing
all they can in extreme circumstances but ultimately we need a
welfare system that is fit for purpose.".
