Norwich Foodbank plea to join hunger campaign 

Norwich Foodbank is urging its supporters to sign an open letter to MPs calling for changes in Universal Credit to protect many from hunger and hardship.

Hannah Worsley, Norwich foodbank Project Manager, said: “We are deeply concerned about the number of people in our community experiencing hunger and hardship because they cannot afford the essentials.  

“Many of our organisations help people by creating warm and welcoming spaces, providing advice and essential items and working together to foster a strong, supportive network for local people.  
 
“Our social security system should be there for us all when we need it most, but right now it’s not even providing enough to cover the cost of life’s essentials, driving hardship and hunger in our community,” said Hannah. 

“Anti-poverty charity Trussell’s data shows that across the UK 70% of people needing to turn to a food bank in their community are receiving Universal Credit. This includes many of the people we support in Norwich because Universal Credit doesn’t cover the cost of essentials and is pushing people to need our support. Research shows around a quarter of the cost of essentials aren’t covered by the basic payment.  
 
“Our social security system is facing significant cuts and the next stage of the campaign is to ensure that MPs hear your voice about why changes to Universal Credit are needed to protect us from hunger and hardship. So please will you sign our Open Letter?”
 
Norwich Foodbank will be joining other foodbanks across the UK on June 18 taking these letters to Westminster and meeting the region’s MPs.