New government must start working towards future where no one needs a food bank

Trussell Trust, the anti-poverty charity responsible for around two-thirds of the estimated 2,200 food banks in UK, reports that more people than ever before are being forced to apply for emergency food. The main reasons are income not covering essential costs and benefits' delays or changes.

"Christmas is supposed to be a time of joy and celebration - but for too many people it's becoming harder and harder to keep their heads above water" says Emma Revie, the Trust's chief executive.

She urges those who want to help their local communities at this time of year"to find out what items local food banks need and donate them. And she adds: "our new government must start working towards a future where no one needs a food bank, for it's not inevitable that every Christmas we hear stories about families needing food banks."

West London's Acton Homeless Concern, founded by the nearby parish of Our Lady of Lourdes, and a referral centre for food banks, confirms that this winter, "there has been an increase in demand for using food banks." The spokesman added that "this day and age it shouldn't have to happen."

The St Vincent de Paul Society expects to field 60,000 calls for help from people in need this winter. Outreach is done by around 10,000 volunteers who run soup kitchens on the streets, provide warm clothing and visit people in their homes, hospitals and care homes. The SVP in Birmingham has hosted a Christmas lunch "with all the trimmings" for Birmingham homeless. The kitchens of Holy Trinity Catholic School were made available to cook 250 lunches.