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More than 11,000 emergency food parcels were handed out to people in Gedling borough over last 12 months

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New figures released by food charity the Trussell Trust have revealed that more than 11,000 emergency food parcels were provided to people across Gedling borough within the past 12 months.

The Trust figures showed that more than 16,000 emergency food parcels were provided to people across the East Midlands between April 2023 to March 2024 – a record high.

The charity said it saw the highest number of food parcels distributed in a single year by their food banks across the UK.

The food parcels were distributed from 1,699 locations across the UK, as part of the
Trussell Trust network.

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Food banks fed more than 11,000 people across the borough over the past 12 months

Around 166,474 emergency food parcels were provided to people in the East Midlands, with 61,234 of these for children.

A total of 11,680 emergency food parcels were distributed in Gedling borough with 7,491 of these going to adults and 4,189 to children, from four distribution centres.

The charity’s biggest foodbank in the borough is in Arnold.

The charity’s chief executive Emma Revie said: It’s 2024 and we’re facing historically high levels of food bank need. As a society, we cannot allow this to continue. We must not let food banks become the new norm.

“As we approach the next UK general election, we urgently need all political leaders to set out how they will build a future where no one needs a food bank to survive. Voters want to see a change and we need cross-government action at all levels to deliver it. We know what’s pushing people to food banks, so we know what needs to change.

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“A supportive social security system is the bedrock on which we end hunger for good. Building on this, we need much more effective employment and financial support for parents, carers and disabled people, and action to ensure everyone can have the security we all need to access opportunities and have hope for the future, through more secure and flexible jobs and investment in social housing.

“Food banks are not the answer. They will be there to support people as long as they are needed, but our political leaders must take bold action to build a future where everyone has enough money to afford the life’s essentials. The time to act is now.”

The Trussell Trust is now calling for comprehensive strategies to mitigate this crisis. These include a plan to reduce the need for food banks, simplifying benefits, setting clear targets to eliminate child poverty, and increasing crisis support across the UK.

Spotted something? Got a story? Email our newsdesk news@gedlingeye.co.uk

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