Food banks struggle with ‘tsunami of need’ as donations drop

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View online December 28, 2022 1 / Food banks struggle with 'tsunami of need' as donations drop Food bank managers have warned Rishi Sunak's government that a "tsunami of need" could see them forced to turn hungry families away, as donations fall while demand continues to rise in the face of the cost of living crisis.   Volunteers told The Independent they are exhausted, and scared of what the new year will bring, as they struggle with a fall in donations combined with a fresh surge of people in need of help.   A survey by the Independent Food Aid Network (Ifan) – a network of 550 groups across the UK – found that 91 per cent of food banks had seen greater demand this winter compared with last year.   The data from the survey, shared with The Independent, also showed that 69 per cent of food banks had seen a fall in food and cash donations. Almost half – 46 per cent – are worried about whether they have the capacity to support people in 2023.   Soaring energy bills, higher food prices, and wages falling behind inflation mean November's cost of living support payments provided little respite from the rise in demand, according to food bank chiefs.   Kathy Bland, who runs the Leominster Food Bank in Herefordshire, said the number of parcels given out this year was double the number distributed in 2021. 2 / Government refuses to publish economic benefits estimate of latest Brexit trade deal Department for International Trade says releasing an estimate isn't appropriate 3 /Tory turmoil made UK 'laughing stock' in 2022, says Speaker Lindsay Hoyle British democracy 'still struggling to recover', says Commons speaker 4 / Russian tycoon who appeared to criticise Ukraine war dies in fall from hotel window His friend Vladimir Budanov died of a heart attack on the same trip two days earlier 5 / Russia 'attacks civilian targets' as rockets rain down on Kherson Kyiv readying forces for next year, including spring, in slow-burning Russian invasion The Big Question Why do women bully other women at work? When Gina's boss accused her of using her phone at work, she immediately knew who had told him. "I replied that I only ever use my phone during lunch, which is true. But he said that a colleague had informed him of my 'misconduct' and he had to take action." It was the latest in a long line of false accusations made against Gina by her line manager. "She would regularly take her frustration out on me and once screamed in my face." This only ever happened when they were alone; other colleagues dismissed her concerns. "It made me feel like I was losing my mind." The former US secretary of state Madeleine Albright, who died earlier this year, famously said "there is a special place in hell for women who don't help other women". It's a quote often used in relation to the workplace as a way of inspiring female employees to lift one another up. And yet, even in 2022, the sentiment of Albright's quote feels utterly utopian – because that special place is very real indeed, and it's filling up fast, writes Olivia Petter.  For the full story click here > Enjoying this newsletter? Unlock unlimited, ad-free reading on the website and in The Independent app when you subscribe – plus, benefit from our welcome offer when you join today. Watch/ Weston-super-Mare: Raging fire 'badly damages' Oldmixon industrial estate NUMBER OF THE DAY 91% A survey by the Independent Food Aid Network (Ifan) – a network of 550 groups across the UK – found that 91 per cent of food banks had seen greater demand this winter compared with last year. Read more here QUOTE OF THE DAY "I think we're still struggling to recover." –  The Commons speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle said the country is still "struggling to recover" from the damage done by the collapse of two governments in 2022. Read more here We noticed that you might not be registered By registering, you will enjoy limited access to Independent Premium articles, commenting, and virtual events with our leading journalists REGISTER FOR FREE Other stories you might like Boris Johnson called for 'hard egg' approach to Northern Ireland peace process, document reveals New blood test developed to detect signs of Alzheimer's disease NHS on course to eliminate hepatitis C five years ahead of global targets Articles available exclusively to subscribers John Rentoul, The Independent - Theresa May is right about the next general election Other newsletters you might like The Race Report Fortnightly, 7am (UK time) Written by Nadine White Sign up Inside Politics Weekdays, 8am (UK time) Written by Matt Mathers Sign up If you can spare a minute we'd love your feedback on our newsletters. 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