Darren Jones MP visits Bristol North West Food bank to talk to people receiving food bank support in the lead up to Christmas

People who have needed the support of the food bank and its staff shared experiences and impacts of living on Universal Credit 

Bristol, UK — On Friday the 13th of December, the MP for Bristol North West Darren Jones visited the Bristol North West Food Bank in Avonmouth to talk to a community group of people receiving food bank support, volunteers and staff to better understand the pressures of Universal Credit and how it drives food bank use.

In this financial year to date, a total of 5,410 emergency food parcels have been distributed in Bristol North West, this is a 4% increase from the same period last year. Close to 85% of those who received the parcels were receiving Universal Credit.

The group’s experience shows that Universal Credit support isn’t sufficient for people to afford the essentials they need to get by. Parents in particular are facing huge pressure because of the rising cost of utilities due to cold weather and the expectation to pay for food, presents and activities for kids this Christmas.

Julia, a parent receiving support from the food bank said: “I suffered a spinal injury last summer and am unable to work. Often I am unable to leave the house or cook for my two kids. I’m receiving Universal Credit while I wait for my PIP disability allowance to be approved. It’s a struggle as I can’t buy nutritious food for my kids or afford to fix things that go wrong in the house, I have no idea what I’m going to do for Christmas.”

Lucy, a parent who received the food bank Christmas hamper said: “I struggle on a monthly basis because of the cold weather. My electric bill has been over £300 for (each of) the past three months. I can’t afford any luxuries and am finding it near impossible to get what my children want this Christmas. More money through Universal Credit would be a big help.”

Toonna, a parent who received the food bank Christmas hamper said: “I’m a mum of three on Universal Credit. I’m really struggling at the moment, my daughter’s (end of year) holiday camp could be over £200 – I really don’t want her to miss out but the cost of this as well as buying clothes for my kids is impossible to cover if I want to pay my utility bills this month. I have no family to support me, my phone has already been cut off and I’m really struggling to find any decorations or presents I can afford this Christmas.”

Mia, a parent who received the food bank Christmas hamper said : “I’m a young mother of 3 (3, 8 & 10). This Christmas is going to be a big struggle. I can’t even cover rent. My 10 year old tells me “don’t worry mum I can go without any presents this Christmas”. Feeding the children has been the biggest struggle – what I get through Universal Credit just doesn’t cover it.”

Eleni Morus, who works at the food bank said: “We were really pleased that Darren came to visit the food bank and was so open to listening to all the stories of hardship that people are facing this Christmas. 

“The fact is that people simply aren’t receiving enough to meet their needs and are under an enormous amount of pressure this Christmas, in particular families. This means that people have to choose between paying their bills and buying food for their kids. Others are having to rely on friends and family for support, sometimes leading to strained relationships and fractured support networks. For many, a lack of ability to afford transport or luxuries such as eating out lead to isolation and poor mental health.”

During Darren’s visit the group invited him to calculate a monthly budget for a family of 5 (like his) on Universal Credit. The allowance available to him was close to £400 short of covering the essentials such as household cleaning goods, clothes and food.

The group is trying to build awareness of the reality of food bank use and its drivers while also gathering support locally. They are supporting Trussell’s ‘Guarantee our Essentials’ campaign, calling for Universal Credit to ensure that everyone can at least afford the essentials such as food, utilities, clothes, household cleaning supplies and transport. 

For more information or to arrange an interview please contact:Eleni Morus
07594223278