HUNGRY Bradford families are being pushed \"over the abyss\" by cruel Government policies, a damning report by a group of MPs warns today. <\/p>\n
A landmark investigation - backed by the Archbishop of Canterbury - condemns the explosion in food bank use in the city and elsewhere and demands radical change. <\/p>\n
In just six months this year, Bradford Central Foodbank, in Jermyn Street, delivered a staggering 21,996 emergency meals. <\/p>\n
And the number of people receiving a three-day aid package has grown to 2,444 between April and September this year, compared with 748 in the same period in 2012. <\/p>\n
Bradford Metropolitan Foodbank reported a 450 per cent increase in demand between 2011 and 2013. It currently hands out 800 food parcels a month and gave out 1,000 in August. <\/p>\n
Food coordinator Ken Leach said: \"The benefits system has changed over recent years, and that has been one of the reasons behind the increase. <\/p>\n
\"We're giving out more than 10,000 parcels a year now, and there is always a need for more donations.\" <\/p>\n
Frances Atkins, assistant food coordinator, said demand had risen ten-fold since she started volunteering for the charity around three years ago. <\/p>\n
\"We are seeing an increase in the number of families using our services, as opposed to single people, which is a very worrying trend, especially as we head into winter. <\/p>\n
\"Supermarkets are very important, as there is food thrown away that is perfectly edible. <\/p>\n
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Bradford families being pushed "over the abyss" by cruel Government policies, a damning report exploring foodbank ...<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" HUNGRY Bradford families are being pushed \"over the abyss\" by cruel Government policies, a damning report by a group of MPs warns today. A landmark investigation - backed by the Archbishop of Canterbury - condemns the explosion in food bank use in the city and elsewhere and demands radical change. Continue reading