THE number of people using food banks in the last 12 months has risen to nearly one million (Echo, Apr 16). Forgive me if I’m out of touch, but I thought the economy was improving.

There is a need for food banks for the right causes, but I see people coming away from them with bags full, and smoking, and also with a drink in one hand.

On a recent BBC programme, the former MP Edwina Currie stated that in the past if someone was out of work the first priority was to put food on the table. She is perfectly correct.

Part of the reason for the increased usage was that a lot of users have drink and drug problems. It may sound harsh but I don’t think that’s a reason.

If you can find money for those then you can find it to feed yourself.

I was out of work some years ago, and all I got was two cans of stewed beef, and a pound of butter.

I believe that some priorities should be set. When all that money has been raised by Children in Need, Sport Relief etc, why is it that people are starving? I just don’t get it.

John Brant, Darlington