Levi Roots, Joanna Lumley and AJ Odudu are among a host of celebrities urging the Labour government to address the escalating hunger crisis in the UK.
Data from anti-poverty charity Trussell has shown that over 1.4 million emergency food parcels have been handed out in the past six months alone.
Of these, more than half a million were given to children, with households having children under 16 accounting for 63% of the total number.
These figures represent a staggering 69% increase compared to five years ago. The charity also reported that over 270,000 individuals visited a food bank for the first time between April and September this year.
Prominent figures from the world of music, TV, film and entertainment have since drawn attention to the issue, demanding immediate reforms to eradicate hunger.
Speaking from Westminster this week where Trussell was advocating for change, Levi Roots, star of TV’s Dragon’s Den and ambassador for the charity, expressed: “It’s heartbreaking that so many families and children still rely on food parcels in a country like ours.”
“It’s a clear call for government action when parents skip meals to keep their kids fed. We need bold, compassionate solutions that make food banks obsolete.”
“Policies that tackle the root causes of poverty are needed to ensure every family can afford to put food on the table.”
Cheryl Fergison, the former Eastenders actress who portrayed Heather Trott from 2012-2017, has opened up about her struggles post-departure from the soap. Following her leave the actress had to rely on food banks for essentials as she couldn’t work due to illness.
She expressed:”It is not right that so many emergency food parcels are having to be provided for people as I know from my own personal experience that no-one wants to have to seek support from a food bank.
“Food banks and charities like Trussell do an amazing job in helping communities and people in need. It shouldn’t have to be this way though; people shouldn’t have to hit rock bottom before they are able to get the support that they need.
“No one should be in this position, whether on benefits or working, because wages do not reflect the high cost of living. The struggle is real for so many. The system needs re-addressing and real change needs to happen.”
Actor and broadcaster Dame Joanna Lumley, added: “It’s deeply troubling to know that so many people in our country are being forced to choose between staying warm and having enough to eat.
“The UK government must step up and guarantee that no one in the UK goes without the essentials they need to live.”
In response, the charity has launched ‘The Hardship Times newspaper’ to spotlight solutions and press the government for immediate action. Notable contributors to the newspaper include actor Stanley Tucci, broadcaster Stephen Fry, and TV chef Andi Oliver.
TV presenter and Trussell ambassador AJ Odudu echoed Cheryl’s sentiments, stating: “We need to push for the solutions that will end hunger for good. Whilst the work that food banks do is critical, it shouldn’t be needed.”
Several renowned personalities, including Love Actually’s Bill Nighy, comedian Aisling Bea, Ghosts’ Charlotte Ritchie and LadBaby’s Mark Hoyle, have all rallied behind the cause to urge the Government to implement changes to tackle poverty in the UK.
Emma Revie, Chief Executive of Trussell, expressed: “The highlighting of this issue from so many famous faces continues to show that there is consensus across the board that our social security system is falling short.
“It must be urgently updated if it is to protect people from hardship. The sheer numbers of people still facing hunger and hardship across the UK is heartbreaking.
“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. Our food banks are a lifeline, offering a warm welcome and space to be heard. They need everyone to play their part to move us towards ending the need for emergency food in the UK.
“You can help make sure food banks can continue to provide warm, compassionate, practical support and advice this winter by volunteering, donating, fundraising or campaigning to help end hunger in the UK.”
