Happiful April 2021

positive pointers
FOOD BANKS:
What,
where,
and why?
Demand for food banks is on the rise in the UK. Whether
you’re looking for support yourself, or you want to help out,
we’ve gathered together everything you need to know
Writing | Kathryn Wheeler
According to the
Trussell Trust, in the
first six months of
the pandemic, nearly
2,600 food parcels were given to
children every single day – and
between 1 April and 30 September
2020, 1.2 million people in crisis
received emergency food parcels.
These figures are just a snapshot
of the bigger picture, but they tell
a story of a nation struggling to
adequately care for those who are
most vulnerable.
Poverty goes beyond hunger – it
consumes your life, and impacts
your mental health. One-quarter
of adults in the poorest fifth of the
population live with anxiety and
depression and, on the flip side,
those who are struggling with their
mental health are more likely to be
affected by income loss – making
poverty and mental health a vicious,
relentless cycle.
No one should have to depend
on charity in order to access food,
and the responsibility to work
towards a hunger-free nation
lies with the government. But
since March 2020, volunteers
and public figures, such as
footballer Marcus Rashford, have
continued to work tirelessly to
support those in crisis – fuelled
by compassion, lived-experience,
and a drive to make a difference.
Whether you feel empowered
to support food banks, or you are
in need of help yourself, here, we
break down everything you need
to know. >>>
happiful.com | April 2021 | 41