New figures from the Trussell Trust show that thousands of three-day emergency food parcels were handed out in Aberdeenshire this year.
Almost 3,000 three-day emergency food supplies were provided to people in crisis in Aberdeenshire by food banks in the Trust’s network – including almost 800 provided for children.
The statistics released show April to September 2019 to be the busiest half-year period for food banks in the Trussell Trust’s network since the charity opened.
These shocking figures follow a trend of increased food bank demand since the roll out of the UK Government’s Universal Credit policy.
The main reasons cited for people needing emergency food in Scotland are low benefit income (38%), and delays (19%) or changes (17%) to benefits being paid.
Paul Robertson, SNP candidate for Banff & Buchan at the upcoming general election said
The SNP has strongly opposed the benefits freeze, the two-child cap and the disastrous roll
out of Universal Credit but these callous Tory welfare cuts have pushed more and more people in Scotland into poverty.This increased reliance on food banks in Aberdeenshire is the most damning indictment of the UK Government’s approach to our society’s most vulnerable people.
Food bank organisers and volunteers are dedicated and compassionate individuals but, let’s be clear, they should not be needed. It is unacceptable that food bank provision has become commonplace under the Tories’ watch.
The upcoming election is a chance to hold the Tories to account – and the SNP are the only party who can beat the Tories in Scotland and oppose further austerity.
This is a 2019 General Election Campaign press release.
You can see all candidates in the Banff & Buchan constituency here and read the My Turriff statement on our transparency here.
