Scottish Foodbank Use At Record Levels After 9% Increase In Demand

Figures released by the Trussell Trust today (Tuesday) have shown that foodbank use in Scotland has hit new record levels as the impact of failed Tory austerity continues to hit our communities.
 
The latest statistics from the Trussell Trust showed that 145,865 three-day emergency food supplies were provided by the network of 52 foodbanks across Scotland in 2016/17, including 47,955 for children – a 9% increase on 2015/16.
 
The devastating impact of Tory austerity is leaving increasing numbers of people seeking emergency food supplies through the Trussell Trust – who cited low income as the single biggest reason for referral to Scottish foodbanks, and benefit delays and changes also key drivers. 
 
Commenting, SNP MP Stuart Donaldson said:
 
“Today’s latest figures from the Trussell Trust are absolutely devastating – and bring into sharp focus the disastrous impact of Tory austerity on our communities.
 
“After seven years of Tory rule they continue to take a slash and burn approach to wages, public services and cutting the vital social security safety net – resulting in more and more people being forced to turn to foodbanks in order to survive.
 
“The fact that nearly 50,000 children across Scotland had to rely on these emergency supplies is simply heart-breaking, and proof that the Tories cannot be trusted to govern in the interests of those most in need of security, shelter and care.
 
“Tory failures are driving this increased demand for foodbanks – and voters must take their chance in June’s election to send a clear message to this toxic and nasty Tory party that their divisive, extreme and ideologically-driven austerity obsession that is destroying our communities will not be tolerated here.”

Image courtesy of the BBC