News from Unmesh Desai: Bow Foodbank providing “lifeline” to struggling local families

Staff and volunteers at Bow Foodbank in Tower Hamlets were commended for their commitment to helping local families living in poverty this week.

Visiting the foodbank, local London Assembly Member, Unmesh Desai AM, said the service provided “an important lifeline” to many local people.

Mr Desai was shown around the foodbank by the church’s Rector, Reverend Deborah Frazer and Elizabeth Marshall, Chair of Bow Church Building Group, during his visit on Monday (10^th April). He saw the foodbank in action and spoke to volunteers about why this support is so vital to many of their clients.

According to the Trust for London’s London Poverty Profile, 49% of children in Tower Hamlets are part of families who are classed as living in poverty. This makes the borough one of the most deprived areas in the country.

The Trussell Trust have reported that foodbank use across the UK has reached record high levels since 2010 and for many people, feeding themselves and their families has become a daily struggle.

Most foodbanks limit the number of times someone can collect food to three visits in a six month period. Bow Foodbank operates a more flexible model which allows people using the service to choose the items they need most. Legal advice and support with issues such as benefits and housing is also offered by the foodbank, which receives an estimated 50 visitors every week.

Mr Desai said recent welfare changes, such as cuts to child tax credit and the benefit cap, had left many local people worse off. He called on the government to do more to help the most vulnerable, including the working poor.

Following the visit, Local London Assembly, Unmesh Desai said:

“It is completely unacceptable that in 21^st century Britain so many families are forced to rely on foodbanks to feed themselves and their children. Bow foodbank does a fantastic job of providing an important lifeline to many local people who have had the bad fortune to find themselves living in poverty.

“I commend the work done by staff and volunteers here each week in helping those in need within the community.

“Recent government welfare cuts have meant significant numbers of Londoners, including those in work, are financially worse off. The government must now do more to ensure that the causes of food poverty are addressed, by ensuring we have an economy that works for everyone.”

Elizabeth Marshall, Chair of Bow Church Building Group said:

“The foodbank here at Bow Church is not just about giving out food to those who need it. There is a community here, and many of our clients come back each week just for a coffee and a chat.”