Thousands of emergency food parcels handed out in Cumbria

The food bank network Trussell reported handing out 2,920 emergency food parcels across seven food banks in the Cumberland Council area between April and September this year.

This represents a slight decrease from 3,139 parcels during the same period in 2023 and 3,127 parcels five years ago.

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Nationally, Trussell distributed just over 1.4million emergency food parcels during the same six-month period.

Although this was a four per cent decrease compared to the previous year, it marks a 69 per cent increase compared to five years ago, underlining a significant long-term rise in demand for food bank services.

Of the parcels handed out in Cumberland, 697 were provided to children.

Across the UK, over 508,000 emergency food parcels were distributed to children, with Trussell reporting that 63 per cent of all parcels were given to families with children.

Earlier this year, Brampton Food Bank in north Cumbria shared the news that they received recent donatoins from schools and churches over the harvest festival period and, despite shelves being relatively well stocked, demand is still rising.

READ MORE: Donations fill food bank shelves but demand continues to rise

“We could not survive on donations alone; at least to date, we've never had enough donations to fulfil the demand,” Mike Kane, who volunteers at the food bank, explained, adding that grants cover some food and household needs, but cycles of support vary.

“Early in the year, we got one from the council.

"There are local funding agencies who are sympathetic, but you can’t go back every two or three months and say we need more money.

“Most food banks are living on the edge, but because of the recent donations we’ve got a relatively full shelf at the moment,” Mr Kane said.

They’re not about to close but might consider no longer stocking household goods as cash is prioritised for food.

Donations of tinned and dried foods are needed and donations can be handed in at Brampton Community Centre.

To get in touch with the food bank, call 016977 45000.

Emma Revie, chief executive of Trussell, described the level of food insecurity as “heartbreaking” and called for urgent action.

“This cannot go on, and we refuse to stand by while so many of us are pushed to the brink, left without enough money to live on,” she said.

Ms Revie highlighted the vital role of food banks in supporting communities.

“Our food banks are a lifeline, offering a warm welcome and space to be heard.

“They need everyone to play their part to move us towards ending the need for emergency food in the UK.”

She also urged the UK Government to fulfil its commitment to address the root causes of food insecurity.

“The UK Government was elected with a manifesto pledge to end the need for emergency food, and the time to act is now.”

She acknowledged some progress in addressing these issues but called for greater clarity and decisive measures, adding: “There have been promising steps, but we need a clearer plan with more decisive action to invest in our social security system if we are to end hunger once and for all.”

The charity suggested that the slight dip in demand for food parcels this year might be due to a “gradual slowdown” in rising food and energy costs, as well as the unfreezing of the Local Housing Allowance in April.

However, these issues remain critical as inflationary pressures continue to affect households across the country.

Consumer Prices Index (CPI) inflation rose to 2.3 per cent in October, up from 1.7 per cent in September, according to figures from the Office for National Statistics.

This marks the sharpest month-on-month increase in inflation for two years and was higher than the 2.2 per cent expected by economists.

The ONS attributed the rise largely to an increase in household energy costs following a hike in the energy price cap by regulator Ofgem.

From October, the average annual energy bill for a typical dual fuel household in England, Scotland, and Wales rose by £149, with the cap increasing from £1,568 to £1,717—a 10 per cent rise.

ONS chief economist Grant Fitzner explained: “Inflation rose this month as the increase in the energy price cap meant higher costs for gas and electricity compared with a fall at the same time last year.”

He added that the increase was partially offset by falls in prices for recreation and culture, including live music and theatre tickets, as well as a reduction in motor fuel prices.

High inflation has placed significant pressure on household budgets, compounding the financial difficulties faced by many families.

Treasury chief secretary Darren Jones acknowledged these challenges: “We know that families across Britain are still struggling with the cost of living.

“That is why the Budget last month focused on fixing the foundation of our economy so we can deliver change.”

While Trussell noted that slower rises in costs may have slightly reduced the number of food parcels distributed this year, Ms Revie stressed that the broader picture remains troubling.

More than 277,000 people visited a Trussell food bank for the first time between April and September.

“This reflects the widespread hardship that continues to affect so many households across the UK,” she said.

Earlier this year the News and Star reported a drop in the number of hospital admissions for malnutrition in north Cumbria despite a rising national trend over the past decade.

READ MORE: Malnutrition hospital admissions fall in North Cumbria amid rise

The North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust recorded around 30 admissions, down from 45 the previous year.

These figures are rounded to the nearest five and cover conditions related to dietary issues, nutrient absorption, and eating difficulties.

Professor Kamila Hawthorne, chair of the Royal College of General Practitioners, warned that poor diets increase the risk of nutritional diseases and can worsen chronic conditions, noting that hospital admissions reflect "the tip of the iceberg" of deprivation-linked health issues.

Nationally, there were 10,728 malnutrition-related admissions last year, down slightly from pandemic levels but far higher than the 6,616 recorded a decade ago.

Anna Taylor, executive director of the Food Foundation, said financially struggling families often cut back on healthy food first.

A UK government spokesperson said the reliance on food banks was “unacceptable” and outlined measures to address the issue.

“The mass dependence on food banks is unacceptable—that’s why we’ve extended the Household Support Fund again to help struggling families with the cost of essentials,” the spokesperson said.

They highlighted additional measures, including increasing the National Living Wage, uprating benefits, and introducing fairer repayment rates on Universal Credit deductions.

“We are also helping over 1 million households while our Child Poverty Taskforce develops an ambitious strategy to give all children the best start in life,” the spokesperson added.

Despite these efforts, Ms Revie and other advocates continue to call for a comprehensive strategy to address food insecurity and ensure no one is left without the means to provide for their basic needs.