A PLEA to end the ‘shocking reality’ which faces thousands of hungry people in Barnsley has been collectively backed by the town’s MPs after figures revealed foodbank reliance at the town’s collections hubs is now at its highest-ever level heading into the festive period.
According to statistics obtained by the Chronicle, a total of 4,781 food parcels - classed as ‘emergencies’ - were given out to those in need between April and September.
Emergency parcels contain three days’ worth of food to provide immediate support before other, longer-term measures can be put in place.
The figure climbed from the amount during the same months a year prior, but is almost treble that of the 1,841 supplied five years ago, or a huge 69 per cent hike.
Trussell Trust leaders - who operate 13 venues in the town - labelled the unending crisis a ‘heartbreaking’ situation this week and Barnsley MPs Dan Jarvis, Stephanie Peacock and Marie Tidball have all pledged to help battle the issue.
The charity said the majority of food parcels - 63 per cent - were distributed to families with children.
Chief executive of the Trussell Trust, Emma Revie, said: “This cannot go on and we refuse to stand by while so many of us are pushed to the brink, left without enough money to live on.
“The government was elected with a manifesto pledge to end the need for emergency food and the time to act is now.
“There have been promising steps but we need a clearer plan with more decisive action to invest in our social security system, if we are to end hunger once and for all.”
Marie, who represents Penistone and Stocksbridge, slammed the ex-Conservative government for failing to act.
“The striking increase in food parcels being given out compared to five years ago is nothing short of devastating - Conservative governments presided over an increase in foodbanks from 35 in 2010 to a staggering 2,800 in 2024.
“While the hard work of these local organisations is much appreciated, it should not be for foodbanks to ensure everyone has access to food.
“I back our Labour government’s commitment to ending mass dependence on emergency food parcels.
“We are working to tackle poverty at the root cause, including introducing free breakfast clubs in every primary school, expanding government-funded childcare, and reviewing Universal Credit.
“I strongly support these actions to lift children and families out of poverty, which will help transform lives.”
Stephanie, whose Barnsley South constituency is the worst-impacted in the town, praised foodbank staff for their invaluable work.
“Foodbank usage has sadly increased over the last decade,” she told the Chronicle.
“The Labour government is determined to tackle poverty at its root cause.
“I know all the staff and volunteers at foodbank centres work hard to support the community and I want to take this opportunity to thank them for all their efforts.”
Dan added: “It’s concerning that a growing number of people in Barnsley are forced to use foodbanks.
“While the work our local foodbanks do, day in, day out, is nothing short of inspiring, we now must work together for a future where far fewer people rely on them.
“That’s why I strongly support my government colleagues taking action to end child poverty, tackle regional inequality and ensure better food security for all.”
