Poverty fear sparks new food scheme

Buy photos » MP Mark Pawsey and volunteers recently collected food at Asda. 51.011.007.rug.jm1

THOUSANDS of people in Rugby are living in poverty and more are likely to join them as the economic slump drags on.

According to research by the Trussell Trust, 12,500 people are living below the poverty line in Rugby. Although it is difficult to establish exact numbers, factors such as families in receipt of child tax credit, income support or job seekers allowance are used as indicators.

And this week, the Institute of Fiscal Studies warned families with young children will be hit hardest between now and 2015 as Government cuts and changes to tax and benefits bite.

In response townsfolk are being urged to help those struggling to feed their families across Rugby as part of a new scheme called Rugby Foodbank set up by the town's churches.

It will see volunteers hand out food to people finding the going tough in the current economic climate.

The foodbank project is being led by Christ Church in Brownsover and New Life Church on Railway Terrace, and church leaders and volunteers, including MP Mark Pawsey, met at Asda where they asked shoppers to buy an item from a specially drawn up list to donate to the scheme.

The list included goods such as pasta, sugar, cereals and tinned fruit and the food will be passed on to people in need in Rugby via the foodbank.

The scheme works on a voucher system as people in need are referred to the foodbank from places including doctors surgeries, hospitals and the Citizen's Advice Bureau. They can then exchange the vouchers for enough food to sustain their family for at least three days.

Rugby's MP Mr Pawsey gave his backing to scheme.

He said: "Often at this time of year we think of those less fortunate than ourselves but it is important for us all to make a concerted effort all year round to help and support those who need it most within our communities."

The council has also given its support to the project.

Coun Leigh Hunt, Rugby Borough Council's communities spokeswoman, said the council was pleased to support the scheme.

She said: "We all have an important part to play to support the most vulnerable members of our communities and they are to be commended for taking this initiative."

The foodbank will open its doors for the first time on March 19 and the first distribution centres will be at New Life Church on Railway Terrace and Christ Church Brownsover on Bow Fell.

Visit www.rugby.foodbank.org.uk or call 01788 553900 for more information.