For the first time since the welfare state was created, the food bank will be our safety net and charity our last line of defence, says former prime minister Gordon Brown
the local need became apparent when the charity was contacted by this school. 60% of pupils at chandos primary are on free school meals. but their needs stretch beyond food. some parents have asked for simple things like shampoo and clothes, so as well as we are looking at their diet, we are also looking at their personal hygiene and well being. so basic needs across the board? it is indeed. the school presumed that as covid receded, families wouldn t need as much support. but rapidly rising costs are dragging more households to the brink. the level of need is not diminishing, it has increased. we do not see any reason why it may tail off or drop off. unfortunately, it is a provision that we are committed to. with such pressures, some children s parents are grateful for the human relief foundation s help. what is life like without the food bank? difficult, i think. oil and vegetables and everything is so high. expensive? expensive, yeah.