Half of independent food banks are struggling to meet demand due to the government's welfare reforms, news research has revealed.
The research, conducted by thinkmoney, found that half of food banks have reported an increase in demand in the past 12 months, with three-quarters saying welfare cuts and the introduction of Universal Credit have forced more people to rely on food parcels.
The food banks questioned estimated that the majority (93%) of people using their services are going hungry at least once a week to ensure their families are fed, with 28% of people skipping one meal a day to make food last.
'While some food banks receive support from local councils, far too many are still struggling to meet rising demand', said Ian Williams, a spokesperson for thinkmoney. 'It is very worrying that we have so many families suffering with food poverty. In 21st century Britain we shouldn’t have children going to school hungry or parents who are skipping meals to ensure their children can eat.
'If the problem of food poverty isn’t addressed, more families will continue to live under extreme stress. And more children will be at risk of failing at school, which leaves them struggling to get into stable jobs, and stuck in the cycle of poverty.'
According to the research, the average food bank helps 45 people a week, with 10% helping to feed more than 100 people a week.
Independent food banks said the biggest concern was a lack of regular food supplies, with 80% relying on donations from the public.
