In response to the Trussell Trust’s publication of figures that reveal that 5,688 three day emergency food supplies were given out in Islington between April 2018 and March 2019, marking an increase of 6% on the previous year, local London Assembly Member, Jennette Arnold OBE AM, said:
“It is scandalous that we are continuing to see a growing dependence on food banks in our community.
“Whilst the Government is well aware of the key factors that are driving so many local families into food poverty, they are choosing not to act. Instead, they are shamefully passing on their duty of care to most vulnerable in society onto charities and a beleaguered public sector.
“Sadly, these figures are likely to be just the tip of the iceberg, but they should provide a wakeup call for the Government. They must now urgently step in to address the issue of low pay and fully confront the consequences of their disastrous welfare reforms.
“The future of so many young Londoners is being blighted by the inaction of Government. Malnutrition impacts on physical and social well-being and most importantly can affect the cognitive development of children.”
Notes to editors
- The Trussell Trust data on food bank usage has been supplied to Jennette Arnold OBE AM, and is available upon request;
- Jennette Arnold OBE AM is the London Assembly Member for North East (Hackney, Islington and Waltham Forest)