Presentation by Doreen and Malcolm Henderson at the Devon and Cornwall Quaker Gathering in October 2014 about Truro Foodbank in Cornwall. The presentation and ensuing discussion also explored the poverty and inequality that has given rise to the proliferation of food banks throughout the UK in order to meet the increasing number of working and non working households who are no longer able to meet the basic needs of their families.

1. Doreen and Malcolm Henderson

2. HUNGER GAMES UK?
DEALING WITH POVERTY AND INEQUALITY
4 October 2014

3. In Alberta, Canada, even small townships had a Foodbank

4. Credit crunch
2008

5. We searched “Foodbanks” ?

6. Salisbury
The Henderson’s

7. We talked and prayed with friends

8. The first £100
God’s will = God’s bill !
Seedbed - £2000
“I propose we make it £1000 !”

9. Churches together

10. All our volunteers receive training

11. Our first store

12. Cereal
Sugar (small - 500gr.)
Tinned Soup
Tomatoes (Tins)
Tinned Vegetables
Tinned Fish
Tins of meat
Instant mash potato
Pasta sauces
Pasta / Rice (500gr.
Milk - UHT
Fruit Juice - Long life
Rice Pudding/ custard (tins.)
Tins of Fruit
Instant Coffee
Tea Bags
Biscuits
Toiletries -toothpaste/shower gel shampoo/ soap / deodorants
nappies
Treats - cereal/choc. bars

13. Our first collection, September 2009
Truro Co-op.

14. Rotarians
local businesses
schools
events

15. The donated food is sorted
and dated

16. Sanjay Kumar, international chef, cooks from a foodbox using a kettle and a camping stove!

17. People are referred to foodbanks for a variety of
reasons but the most frequent cause last year
was benefit delays.

18. Joseph and Mary
123 Any Road
Truro
TR0 0TA
Customers must have a voucher

19. A single person Foodbox

20. Baby items; Treats; Toiletries & Just past Best before date.

21. Growth of Truro Foodbank
2012 – 1033 people fed
2013 – 2129 people fed ( 33.2% children ) + 106%
2014 – 2450 people fed – projected + 15%
Main causes for visit
30% Low income
27% Benefit delay
14% Benefit changes
8.5% Debt

22. This report follows on from
Walking the breadline – the scandal of food poverty in 21st century Britain
By Oxfam and Church action on Poverty

23. Inequality
UK is 7th richest country in the world – but it is one of the most divided
Richest 1% own same amount of wealth as 54% of population
The 1000 richest people in UK doubled their wealth in last five years.
The CEO’s of the top 100 companies took home an average of £4.25 million last year - up 10% Yet only 6 pay staff a living wage.
Tax dodging costs between £32 - £120 billion!

24. Inequality 2
People on low incomes pay more for essentials, no car to reach out of town supermarkets; can’t finance direct debit for energy.
Cheapest selection of groceries up to 69% dearer in some of poorest parts of country than in same chain stores in richer areas

25. Energy
The big six have increased prices by 37% over 3 years 2010 -13
8 times faster than av. earnings.
In 2013 their profits rose by 77%

26. Insecure contracts
1.4 million Zero hours contracts ; 37 hours one week, next week 0 hours
Under employment mostly in temporary jobs, up from 7.1% in 2008 to 10.5% in 2012

27. Wages
Minimum wage to increase by 19pence to £6.50 an hour in October. Taking inflation into account those on low wages have seen a decrease in real value over last five years.
The living wage is calculated at £7.65 an hour. 21% of workforce is paid less than this – 5.8 million people.
13million people live below national poverty line

28. Benefit changes
1.75 million of the poorest families have seen an absolute cut in their income.
1.4 million low income families now pay average of £154 a year Council tax not previously levied.
780,000 poorest families experiencing shortfall in Housing Benefit of which 410,000 affected by the Bedroom tax.
On average these families’ Housing Benefit has been cut by £10.48 per week - £545 per year.
Large increase in “sanctions”- 71% males- (58% overturned on appeal.)

29. Health
UK food prices have risen an average 43.5% in last eight years.
Low income families purchased 4.7% less food in 2012 than in 2007 whilst spending 17% more
Long term effects of food poverty include increased risk of cancer, heart disease and diabetes as well as stress related illnesses.
Children suffer in school holidays, no school meals
In poorest area of Westminster life expectancy for men is 17 years less than in wealthiest area.

30. Where are we now?
Public letter to PM from 43 bishops
All Party Parliamentary Group on hunger and food poverty (chaired by Bishop Tim and Frank Field to report by year end.)
20,247,042 meals given to people in food poverty in 2012/13 (Truro Foodbank 20,000 – 24,000 in 2014 approx. 50% children)
Pressure from the national press.
Pressure on govt. to review Benefit sanctions.
Pressure on govt. to deal with tax avoidance especially by multi national companies.

31. Thank you !