We welcome a report published today "Feeding Britain" which looks to address many of the challenges society now faces in the debate around Food Banks and the choices people are having to make between heating and eating.
Delighted to see so much engaged debate and sensible, caring comments around the need for more empathy when looking at the root causes of poverty in 21st century Britain.
John McDermott at the Financial Times says people should not be shamed for using food banks. For too long in the debate about food banks, understanding and empathy have been scarce qualities. The all-party report offers wise ways to escape the political impasse. Politicians and the media should look at them closely. They should also reflect on the simultaneously moralistic and dehumanising way poverty is discussed. The need to be seen as “tough” on welfare has meant that politicians have been too slow to make some simple changes that would relieve suffering. Using a food bank is not sign of moral failure – but shaming someone for doing so certainly is.