Autumn Statement offers little hope or respite for independent food banks

IFAN SURVEY November 2023 - Published Friday 24.11.23

“How on earth are people going to cope?” – Autumn Statement offers little
hope or respite for independent food banks struggling to meet escalating
demand this winter

Latest data from 69 organisations running 173 independent food banks across
England, Scotland and Wales reveal that:

●Nearly 80% of organisations saw demand for their services increase
comparing August to October 2023 with the same period last year
● 98% of organisations supported people seeking help for the first time
● 90% of organisations provided food parcels to people referred by
NHS services while 96% supported people referred by local
authorities
● 73% of organisations reported a drop in food donations
● Four in ten organisations have struggled to support people due to a
lack of resources and the same number fear they won’t have the
capacity to meet rising demand 

Ellie Coteau, CEO of The Welcome Centre

The Household Support Fund has provided a vital lifeline during very challenging times. We were hopeful that today's Autumn Statement would include a commitment to continuing this support, as it's needed now more than ever. Whilst we welcome the unfreezing of Local Housing Allowance and the positive impact this will have for struggling private renters, we are concerned that
unless the Household Support Fund continues beyond Spring, many more families will be forced to turn to food banks next year.

Read the full survey and comments following the Autumn Statement here