Report recommends cash-first approach as ‘most effective and dignified’ form of support. 

An all-party parliamentary group (APPG) is calling for funding and guidance to ensure strong local support systems are in place so no one should have to turn to a food bank.

IFAN, the Independent Food Aid Network to which the Food Hub is affiliated, has joined the APPG and the Trussell Trust in advocating for government at all levels to implement the report’s recommendations.

Following several months of research, the All Party Parliamentary Group on Ending the Need for Food Banks recommends a cash-first approach to supporting people facing financial hardship. Its report, Cash or Food? Exploring effective responses to destitution, is available on the Trussell Trust website.

As record numbers of people across the country use food banks, the APPG says it is crucial that cash is readily available as part of the local crisis support offered for people facing hardship. “This is the most effective and dignified form of support,” they say.

Their report calls for:

  • A long-term strategy for local crisis support underpinned by the principles for ensuring support is effective and dignified.
trussell website link
Click on image to view the full APPG report
  • Cash-first approaches as the default response to financial crisis, whilst ensuring a range of suitable options are available to people depending on their individual needs.
  • Improving data-sharing between all levels of government to develop a holistic picture of local financial hardship.
  • Funding to develop and co-ordinate strong local support systems which mean no one has to turn to a food bank as a first port of call.
  • Ensuring that local crisis support is accessible to all and no one is excluded.