Rosie meets with Canterbury Food Bank in Parliament

Rosie Duffield MP met with representatives of Canterbury Food Bank in Parliament this afternoon, who were taking part in the Guarantee Our Essentials Lobby Day.

They talked at length about the vital support Canterbury Food Bank provides to people in Canterbury and the neighbouring villages. Canterbury Food Bank does more than hand out food; their experts try to help clients get past the difficulties that have brought them there by offering advice and signposting them to other organisations which can assist further. Data shows that the Food Bank tends to help people through a temporary financial crisis: 53% of their clients only have to use their services once; with only 1% using their service more than 10 times.

The biggest challenge facing Canterbury Food Bank's clients is that benefits are too low meaning they are unable to meet their daily living costs. Canterbury Food Bank can only provide a short-term solution to the harms caused by policies such as the two-child limit and welfare cuts. Real change can only come about a Government level.

I share their concerns about what further welfare cuts will mean for the most vulnerable in Canterbury and beyond and I will always support them in their essential work.

Rosie with Martin, Peter, Angela and Dylan

Canterbury Food Bank are facing an unprecedented demand for their services, with demand up 13% on the same period last year. This is a real challenge, as donations are static whilst demand is on the increase.

Rosie recently raised the increased demand they are facing in the House of Commons with the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

Find our more about Canterbury Food Bank and how to support them here.