THE growth of food banks in the North-East rose sharply around three years ago as the Government’s biting austerity measures began to take hold on some of the poorest in society.

But despite assurances the economy is recovering from the recession, usage is showing no signs of decline. 

POVERTY is not new to people in Consett where thousands found themselves on the dole overnight when steelworks closed in September 1980.

But almost 35 years later, despite considerable investment and regeneration, the food bank in the town is one of the busiest in County Durham.

Last year, the food bank, which opened in 2011, was forced to move to bigger premises from the Salvation Army Citadel, on Sherburn Terrace, to Glenroyd House, on Medomsley Road - ironically world famous for the production of exotic snacks.

Sadly, for more than 100 workers, KP has announced the factory behind the Phileas Fogg brand will be closed in the New Year, meaning more unemployment for the former steel town.

Meanwhile, trade is brisk at the town’s food bank, which is run by the Durham Christian Partnership, and has fed 646 adults and 371 children this financial year alone.

Parcels are made up of dried and tinned foods, bread, spread, snack items and sweets, with enough to provide desperate people with enough to keep them from going hungry.

People have various reasons for visiting the food bank such as delays in benefits, redundancy, illness, escaping domestic violence, debt, family breakdown and paying for the additional costs of fuel during winter.

Margaret Nealis, secretary of the food bank in Consett, said: “Coming to us is difficult to do for many, particularly older people, who are shamed and embarrassed by having to ask for help.

“I get very fed up at listening to fat cat politicians telling us that no-one in Britain needs to starve.”

Other busy County Durham food banks overseen by the Trussell Trust include the one on North Road, in Durham, which has fed 821 adults and 357 children since April.

In West Auckland, packages were issued to 534 adults and 335 children.

Ms Nealis said: “The main reasons by far for visiting the food banks are benefit delays and benefit changes, with an increasing number of clients being sanctioned for minor infringements of the rules.

“The sanctions appear to be applied randomly and draconically.

“Recent reforms have caused problems for many.”

“It is shameful, a first world country more concerned about providing foreign aid than about British citizens who have no income and would go hungry without support from the voluntary sector.”