UK church leaders have been urged to play their part in building a ‘hunger-free future’, by a major food bank charity.
It comes against the backdrop of soaring numbers of people turning to charities and churches for emergency food packages.
Christian charity, the Trussell Trust, said the huge number of people needing help for essentials is ‘an injustice’.
Between April and September last year, 1.2 million emergency food parcels were handed out by the charity’s network of 1,300 food banks – an increase of 47%. In the last five years, the need has risen by 74% across the UK.
On 1 May 2020, the Trust had its busiest period ever, with an 81% increase in emergency food parcels distributed – including 122% more parcels going to children, compared to the same period a year previously.
In addition to the Trust’s food banks, there are at least 929 independent food banks, meaning that its own figures significantly underestimate food bank usage across the UK.
The Trust has expressed concern that emergency food provision should not become ‘part of the fabric of society’ and invited church leaders to a series of online events to find out what they can do.
Emma Revie, the Trussell Trust’s chief executive, said she is ‘grateful for the Christian community’s involvement in our work’. But she added: ‘It isn’t right that so many people should be forced to turn to charities and churches for food and other basics. Rather, as we emerge from the pandemic, we need to find the courage and energy to build a different future – one in which food banks are no longer needed, because everyone can afford the essentials.
‘Churches have a vital part to play in helping us to bring this future into being.’
Siân Rees, director of Evangelical Alliance Wales, said: ‘Showing compassion and providing practical support is such a vital expression of our Christian faith. So too is seeking justice, and engaging with the political and economic issues that affect our communities – we need to be speaking out about the causes of poverty and helping to shape long-term solutions too.
‘As churches we are here for people facing crisis in our communities.’
