More help needed for hungry families
WITH tears pouring down her face, a desperate mother begged a charity for help to feed her five hungry children.
And the struggle to feed whole families is not just affecting her.
The number of families who have no means of putting food on the table are increasing.
Jo Mason, of County Community Projects's (CCP) 1st Stop initiative, which provides food parcels to people across the Cheltenham area, said the woman, who came to them this week, had no way of feeding her family.
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"She was in tears when she explained her circumstances to us," she said. "She has no source of income or any money, and we had to help her out."
The Cheltenham-based charity had given out 406 parcels by this time last year, and has already handed out close to 450 parcels this year.
Each food parcel lasts for up to three days, although families with children might get up to a week's worth. They are given out to people who are struggling to make ends meet. These include homeless people, vulnerable adults, whole families and those with just themselves to feel.
The charity is worried about the anticipated rise over winter. They give out an average of 90 parcels in January and February, although they expect this to increase.
Heather Sheridan, community fundraising co-ordinator, said demand for food would increase substantially in the next few months. She said: "People living in poverty very often have to choose between food and warmth. They are often afraid to turn the heating up because they are afraid of receiving a big heating bill that they won't be able to pay."
The charity received food from more than 40 churches, schools, business and community groups during their harvest festival appeal this year, including food from individuals around the county.
Most parcels include a share of cereal or porridge oats, soup, beans, pasta and a meat meal.
Ms Mason said: "The number of people coming through our doors has been increasing each year, and we gave out about 500 food parcels last year. I'm expecting that to rise by more than 100 parcels next year because of the expected changes to the benefits scheme which might leave more people homeless."
OPINION, P8
Comments
by Dave_t10
Thursday, October 25 2012, 12:03AM
“No sympathy here. Did she think about could she afford 5 kids before having them like people who work must?
Of course not, no need when the state keeps on paying more and more.
Benefit levels in this country are so generous, poverty in the true sense is non-existent.
The only people in these bad positions are almost always because they have run up debits with loan sharks, credit card and benefit pay day companies at stupid interest rates - why should we bail them out?
As for food parcels........don't get me started on this. Of course if you give it away you get unprecedented demand.
Stand in the town centre giving away £10 notes, you will get the same number who would turn it down.”
by bonzaharris1
Wednesday, October 24 2012, 10:42PM
“yes NibNobs, I have heard that too, and doesn't it make my blood boil.”
by NibNobs
Wednesday, October 24 2012, 10:10PM
“spindles12,
Many people might be surprised to learn that people who are working here from another EU country (and paying UK income tax) can claim child benefit for each of their children that still live in their home country, and even if they never come to stay or live in the UK. And it's perfectly legal. A common scam is claiming the children live in both countries so getting child benefit in BOTH countries or falsely claiming for children back home that don't exist. That's over £20 for the first child & £13.50 for each subsequent child. "Oh yes I have 7 children back home and err 3 living here"
Chi-ching!!!”
by spindles12
Wednesday, October 24 2012, 9:01PM
“For all we know she could have just come over here from another country with all her kids in the back of a lorry and has made for the nearest food bank. How can anyone have absolutely NO source of income and NO money? It would be interesting if there were a few more details about her circumstances because even illegal immigrants know the system and get houses, money and just about anything they want without too much trouble these days.”
by Angie19731
Wednesday, October 24 2012, 8:49PM
“aprepper - totally agree with you. I do think some people don't do enough to help themselves and that includes having too many kids.But then again this government is far too generous with the child benefit that is handed out to people. First two kids fine but then it should stop being given.”
by Ms_Superstar
Wednesday, October 24 2012, 8:16PM
“A surprising number of people miss out on state benefits for one reason or another; it may even be that she doesn't know what benefits she is entitled to, or doesn't know how to claim. When I was out of work, I was astonished at how much I could claim. Sadly, TiG typically hasn't given us any details of this poor woman's circumstances. It may be that she cannot make herself available for work because of her five hungry children (I feel a song coming on). Maybe she is working already. Maybe she is too proud to claim benefits. We just don't know.”
by NibNobs
Wednesday, October 24 2012, 7:42PM
“With 5 children she is entitled to approx £70 per week child benefit, if unemployed she is entitled to her full rent paid, likely to be worth £100+ a week council tax paid, likely to be worth £25+ a week income support around £50 a week, free prescriptions and maybe child tax credits if she has a part-time job over 16hrs a week.
So even if not working that's the equivilent of you or me earning £16,500+ before tax per year. Not a fortune but no commuting costs, no clothes for work needed, no need to run a car.”
by windy_pants
Wednesday, October 24 2012, 7:37PM
“A flatscreen TV is not something to judge someone by,, (very daily mail ish)”
by nikonman2010
Wednesday, October 24 2012, 6:28PM
“Plus if we didnt have the Polish community raping the system there would be more to go round if this country wasnt such a handout joke why would so many of overseas people want to come here all you see in the lower high street now and in many other places are untaxed polish registered cars god knows how they even got here by the state of them not traceable and illegal why arent these clamped and towed and crushed, this women has got herself in a postion yet her kids havent and thats whats so wrong”
by nikonman2010
Wednesday, October 24 2012, 6:22PM
“Ask the childrens father thats if she knows who they are that would be a starting point , ill agree that times are hard for some but they cant think us tax payers are going to keep them still i dare say the flatscreen tele and the xbox and the 200 benson will still be affordable”