Food bank users have a clear message for politicians: listen to those who rely on charity food to understand the crisis. According to new research involving 40 in-depth interviews at seven locations across the UK, the experiences of those who use food banks should guide policy-making.
The study, conducted by the Trussell Trust, the Church of England, Oxfam GB, and the Child Poverty Action Group, also analysed data from over 1,000 food bank clients. Interviewees were asked what advice they would give to policymakers. Their responses highlighted five key lessons, including the need for better childcare support, housing reform, and faster benefit assessments.
One interviewee, a young mother named Wendy, struggled to meet training costs. Another, Mary, had a partner who had been unemployed for six months. Becky was waiting for a mandatory reconsideration of her Employment Support Allowance. Their stories illustrate the real-world challenges that lead people to food banks.
The researchers hope that by sharing these insights, politicians will adopt policies that reduce the need for food banks in the first place. The message from users is clear: understand the crisis by listening to those who live it.
