The tragic rise in reliance on food banks highlights the poverty crisis in the UK

More than 9 million people across the UK are on the brink of poverty and rely on food banks to meet their basic needs. Recent research led by the Trussell charity has revealed shocking statistics that not only highlight the growing reliance on these charitable resources, but also highlight the urgent and alarming situation of food insecurity and hardship that many households are suffering.

The situation has worsened in recent years, according to Trussell’s report, which defines “hunger and deprivation” as living on an income at least 25% below the relative poverty line. The charity reports that a million more people are now suffering from what they describe as “hunger and hardship” compared to five years ago. This dismal category includes those who regularly struggle to afford essentials such as food, heating, clothing and other typical household costs.