The number of foodbanks in Wales has increased dramatically in the last six years, according to new research.
The Bangor University findings indicated there were 157 in Wales in the latest tally – with a warning issued that their use was now becoming “institutionalised” as an alternative to the welfare state.
There were just 16 operating here between 1998 and 2010, the study found.
The academics also said Wales’ figures were in line with those of the rest of the UK – and that Wales appeared to fare little better at dealing with poverty than other comparable parts of Britain, such as the north east of England.
Dr Hefin Gwilym, a social policy lecturer at Bangor University, said the spike in the number of foodbanks which had been established correlated with the UK Government’s introduction of austerity measures.
'Greatly hastened by welfare reform measures'
“The rise in foodbanks has been greatly hastened by welfare reform measures and austerity policies, particularly since the introduction of the Welfare Reform Act 2012,” Dr Gwilym said.
“Foodbanks are becoming institutionalised and an alternative to our familiar concept of the welfare state as more welfare provision is privatised or left to families and communities on a voluntary basis.”
The UK Government said it was “misleading” to label welfare changes as the main drive behind the growth in the number of foodbanks.
But the Welsh Government disagreed, insisting Whitehall policies had had an effect on its own ability to tackle poverty west of the border.
Among the busiest foodbanks in Wales is the Cardiff Foodbank. Catherine Williams, its operational manager, said: “Cardiff Foodbank has continued to see a rise in people struggling to make ends meet. Foodbank demand has continued to be high with over 4,500 food parcels given out since April 2015, providing food to 4,400 children.
'Vital safety net'
“We have increased our distribution centres from five to six in the city and aim to add another one per year for the next three years.”
And she added: “We are only able to cope with this level of demand due to the generosity of our partner churches, volunteers and donors, with their help we hope to be able to continue to provide a vital safety net to people in times of need.”
Bangor PhD student David Beck, whose research revealed the data, added: “Whatever your view of food banks, either that they are a welcome safety net beyond the reduced welfare state – the Big Society writ large – or an unfortunate necessity, it’s good that they are providing a safety net – but better if there were no need for them at all.”
A spokesman for the UK Government’s Department for Work and Pensions said: “Britain has a proud tradition of volunteering and of civil society and faith groups providing support to vulnerable people – and this Government welcomes that.
“We know that the reasons for foodbank use are complex and often overlapping, so it is misleading to claim that it is driven by welfare reforms.
Work and strong economy 'best way' to alleviate poverty
“Work and a strong economy are the best way to help people out of poverty. We now have record employment in Wales, meaning everyone has the opportunity to benefit from our growing economy.
“In addition, we continue to spend around £80bn a year on working-age benefits so we have a strong safety net in place to support millions of people who are unemployed or on low incomes.”
But a Welsh Government spokesman said: “As the UK Government’s ongoing austerity measures continue to hit Welsh families hard, our Government departments are working together to identify ways we can increase prosperity and help people out of poverty.
“We are investing over £323m in our tackling poverty programmes this year alone and are making excellent progress in key areas such as housing, educational attainment and employment. We are also working with partners to establish a Food Poverty Alliance to target the root causes of food poverty.”
see-http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/now-157-foodbanks-operating-wales-11040253
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