The UK is still the 6^th largest economy in the world. After 12 years of Conservative government there are pockets of huge wealth in this country, but this now sits alongside ever deepening poverty. Nowhere is this more evident in the number of people who need support from food banks.

When the last Labour government left office in 2010, the Trussell Trust ran a total 35 foodbanks across England. The same organisation now runs 1,400. With 1,200 other suppliers, there are estimated to be 2,600 foodbanks in the country. That’s double the number of McDonald’s.

Labour’s Welwyn Hatfield councillors and members are supporting a range of projects to fight back against food poverty and support residents in our local community.

It’s desperately sad it’s needed, but on National Food Bank day (30^th November) we wanted to let people know the organisations we are collectively supporting and encourage anyone who is able to do the same.

Food Banks

We support two traditional foodbanks:

1. The New Zion foodbank in Welwyn Garden City.
2. The Hatfield Foodbank, run out of Gracemead Church.

WGC’s Hunger Wars project

Set-up to provide food parcels to all in need who may not be eligible or able to get a foodbank referral.

This was a campaign set up by a local mother and her child who want to eradicate hunger in Welwyn Hatfield. There is more information on their Facebook page.

The Food Rescue Hub

The hub recovers uncooked food from local food-based busineses and is offered on a pay-as-you-feel (PAYF) basis, making it accessible to all members of the community. They also donate food to the local New Zion foodbank. See more here.

Christmas Hamper Appeals

1. The Kingdom Light Church is looking for sponsors to send Christmas hampers to people in need all across the borough.
2. The Mixed Group is a local charity raising money to fund the delivery of large food hampers and wrapped presents to 120 lonely and elderly residents of Welwyn Hatfield to celebrate Christmas.

We need a Labour government to defeat food poverty, but while there is a need in our community – we will continue to support these inspiring projects across Welwyn Hatfield.

Andrew Lewin,
Campaign Co-Ordinator.