An alarming 78% rise in food bank inquiries has taken place over the last six months, as people with jobs start using them to provide emergency supplies until their next pay day.
The figures reveal significant regional disparities in demand for information about food bank services in England and Wales, suggesting certain parts of the country are suffering considerably more than others.
The Citizens Advice said the worst affected area was the West Midlands, where there had been a 142% increase in inquiries – 779 in total – since February. The figures show a rise in inquiries about food banks in Citizens Advice bureaux in almost every region of the country.
The rise in food bank inquiries in the past six months showed that, despite falling unemployment, millions were still experiencing financial difficulties.
