The quality of Commons debate about foodbank users and their issues is remarkably shallow.
“We’d much rather not be here but the statutory safety net has too many holes in it.”
20/11/2023
Finn Turton
On Wednesday March 18th, the House of Commons Library published a report entitled “Foodbanks in the UK.” Offering a wealth of information compiled from a range of sources including the anti-poverty group Trussel Trust organisation, the report presents a compelling range of data to suggest that not only are foodbanks very much needed but that this need is increasing in a most alarming way. However, although Commons Library reports are primarily commissioned to help MPs and their staff look closely at legislation and consider policy developments, the quality of debate about foodbank users and their issues seems remarkably shallow.
Consider the now infamous contribution made by Ashfield’s Conservative MP, Lee Anderson claiming that foodbanks exist because users don’t really know how to cook or budget. Whilst his provocative comments generated a political and media furore, the response of SNP MP Joanna Cherry who followed him in the debate, seems equally unhelpful. Her statement, “we have poverty in this country at a scale that should shame his government,” did little more than polarise the discussion, transforming the plight of foodbank users into a social hand grenade hurled across the Commons floor simply to score political points.
My only direct experience of food banks was last Christmas Eve when a friend’s mum, Liz asked if I would help with the Fallowfield and Withington food bank in South Manchester. That day there were surprisingly few clients. Apart from helping Liz to pack up a three-day emergency Halal food parcel for an Asian family of five who seemed genuinely delighted that she had sourced a bottle of cooking oil and a small pack of wheat flour, I spent most of the session weighing in donations and date marking cans whilst chatting to a small group of volunteers. What I learned was enlightening. They all emphasised that the food bank was usually stretched to breaking point but nodded in agreement with Anne (67) who pointed out the sad truth which seems to leave foodbank users trapped in a cycle of ever diminishing returns. “We’d much rather not be here but the statutory safety net has too many holes in it. Foodbanks are unsustainable but until there’s a more enlightened understanding of poverty and social issues, it looks like we’re here to stay.”
Shortly before we began to pack up, a mid-fifties food bank regular (Chris) bounced into the kitchen at the far side of the hall where Liz welcomed him with a mug of tea and custard creams. Twenty minutes later, he left with a festive wave and several carefully filled plastic bags. Aaron, the foodbank manager, tried to explain the situation. “He’s here at least two or three times a month. It’s usually social services who make the referrals, but I think that’s because they’re out of ideas and his situation is so complex.”
I had the impression that no-one really knew what might help Chris to break his escalating foodbank dependence. But I am certain solutions won’t be found by telling him to blame the government or join a cooking class so he can whip up a last-minute bowl of figgy pudding.