Oldham’s MPs have criticised the government after an Oldham Times investigation found at least 10 of the borough’s schools have set up their own food banks.
According to data collected exclusively by the paper, at least 10 Oldham schools run their own formal food banks – with many more providing other food support for students, including food parcels.
The food banks are often funded, at least in part, by staff and parent donations.
As well as food, schools are providing bedding and toiletries, as well as prams and cots, to vulnerable families.
Headteacher Susan Milligan, who works at St Herbert’s R.C. Primary School, says the situation has become ‘dramatically worse’ since she started at the school nearly a decade ago.
Nine of the 10 food banks uncovered in the investigation have opened since March 2020, four of which have opened since 2022.
READ MORE: Inside the hidden Oldham food banks run by schools.
Oldham’s MPs have called on the Government to provide more support.
Jim McMahon, MP for Oldham West and Royton, said: “That we are seeing such vast numbers of foodbanks in our country is a disgrace and is a direct result of the Tory mismanagement of our economy over the last 13 years.
“That our schools are now having to do the same to support the demand coming from families is a travesty - I commend the help they are trying to give but condemn the government that they have allowed the situation to become so dire. We need change immediately to address these systemic failings.”
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Debbie Abrahams, MP for Oldham East and Saddleworth, said: “When our schools are having to open their own food banks to help struggling families, it’s clear that the Government isn’t doing enough to support them through the cost of living crisis.
“I pay tribute to schools for all they’re doing on this, helping their families, but it shouldn’t be up to them. It is the responsibility of the Government first of all to ensure we have a healthy, vibrant economy that works for us all, including paying us a decent rate for a good day’s work, but also ensures we have an adequate safety net when people in Oldham, Saddleworth or anywhere in the country, can’t work for whatever reason.”
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According to data from The Trussell Trust, which runs more than 1,300 food banks throughout the country, including Oldham Foodbank, the number of people receiving emergency food parcels has dramatically increased in the UK since 13 years ago.
In 2010/11, just 61,468 people received emergency food parcels from the Trust. This rose to 2,986,203 in 2022/23 – a 48 times rise.
Find more statistics at Statista
According to DWP data, just 14 per cent of households which reduced the amount of households which reduced the amount of food they ate because of lack of income used a food bank – meaning 86 per cent do not.
The Government has been contacted for comment.
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