Over 2,700 people needed emergency food supplies in Wrexham in just six month period

More than 2,700 people in Wrexham needed emergency food bank supplies over the past six months.

Data released yesterday by the Trussell Trust found April to September to be the busiest half-year period for food banks since the charity opened.

Across the UK the Trussell Trust say 823,145 three-day emergency food supplies were given to people in crisis – 56,843 went to people in Wales.

Locally 1,825 adults and 940 children required support from a food bank.

Earlier this year Wrexham.com reported that the county borough had seen increase in the number of people accessing emergency food supplies between April 2018 and March 2019 – with 4,984 people in crisis during the 12 month period.

You can see the food bank usage in Wrexham from 2013 through until March this year below.

The charity say the main reasons for people needing emergency food are recorded as; low benefit income (36%), delays (18%) or changes (16%) to benefits being paid.

The Trussell Trust’s chief executive Emma Revie said: “More people than ever before are being forced to food banks’ doors.

“Our benefits system is supposed to protect us all from being swept into poverty, but currently thousands of women, men and children are not receiving sufficient protection from destitution.

“This is not right. But we know this situation can be fixed – our benefits system could be the key to unlocking people from poverty.

“This General Election, all political parties must pledge to protect people from hunger by ensuring everyone has enough money for the basics.

“We want our next government to start working towards a future where no one needs a food bank by ending the five week wait for Universal Credit; ensuring benefit payments cover the cost of living; and investing in local emergency support for people in crisis.

“Together, these three changes will put money back into the pockets of people who most need our support. It’s in our power as a country to end the need for food banks. This can change.”