The usage of food banks in Brighton and Hove has surged by 25% over the course of a year, as the Emergency Food Network (EFN) reports that numbers reached over 6,400 people per week by the end of 2023. Food banks have been struggling to meet demand for years, and as the UK dips further into economic recession while the cost of living continues to rise, the situation is diving headfirst into catastrophe.
The EFN’s 2023 report paints a bleak picture, revealing an escalating number of individuals across diverse demographics unable to afford basic necessities. The Badger spoke with Ali Ghanimi, Senior Manager of the Brighton & Hove Food Partnership, who shared insights on the persistent rise in food bank reliance since the introduction of austerity programs by the coalition government of 2010. These measures included cutting benefits to the point that recipients are unable to come close to covering basic essentials. Ghanimi also highlighted the distressingly high number of people on fixed incomes compelled to resort to food banks; stagnating wages paired with rapidly increasing costs of living have pushed many into desperate situations, and with bills to pay, food is the only option to cut out.
Among those turning to food banks have been a significant number of students. Many struggle with inordinately high Brighton rent, unable to cover bills with maintenance loans that have not kept pace with rising costs. International students, burdened by steep tuition fees, further contribute to the already overwhelming numbers seeking assistance from food banks. The Badger spoke with the ex-managing director of a food poverty charity, who commented on the emotional toll of working at a food bank, revealing the constant struggle to avoid turning away those in need. This is fast becoming a tragic reality, as some food banks are already having to pause new referrals.
Adding to the urgency is the impending expiration of the Household Support Fund (HSF) on 31 March. This emergency fund is crucial for those facing unexpected financial hardships without savings to carry them through. It also serves as vital governmental funding for local food banks, and in many cases is the only thing keeping them afloat. Despite campaigns for its extension, Ali Ghanimi warns that the government shows no signs of answering these calls. “If they don’t continue the Household Support Fund,” said Ghanimi, “it is going to be a catastrophe.”
The core issue lies in the ‘cost of living crisis’, a phrase normalised to the point that it now carries an air of apolitical unavoidability. However, delving into the context encourages examination of the government’s reluctance to increase wages in proportion with rampant inflation. This stance facilitates a wealth transfer from the hands of ordinary individuals, to huge corporations who dominate essential supplies like food and fuel. Corporate giants like British Petroleum reap the benefits of inflation, while the public, left with no alternative, bear the financial burden. Without addressing the root cause of this continuous financial drain through proper systemic change, these ‘crises’ will continue to persist.
Until substantive systemic changes are enacted, efforts to mitigate the impact of poverty and inequality remain imperative. For students in need, the University of Sussex provides subsidised £2 meals in Eat Central, and is also currently running a ‘pay it forward’ scheme, where people can pay for someone else’s food/drink. Donating to local food projects whenever possible is also hugely helpful; visit the Just Giving webpage to contribute to crowdfunders launched by multiple Brighton food charities. Emailing local MPs about the urgency of continuing the HSF fund is a beginning, and as the general election fast approaches, it is imperative to pay close attention to the governmental decisions that determine nothing less than the quality of life for us all.
