IT’S a national disgrace that in the UK, one of the wealthiest countries in the world, according to research by Oxfam and backed by the Trussell Trust, over half a million people are dependent on food banks.

Many users do so for a number of reasons including unemployment, cuts in social safety nets, low income and increasing food and energy prices. In a nutshell, food banks are used by people living in poverty.

Yet popular myths deride their importance, indeed their need to exist. They have been described as used by “opportunists” wanting something for nothing.

No credence is given to the fact that a food box can only be issued following referral by care professionals, such as a doctor or social services.

The Department of Work and pensions, indicate that the benefits system gives enough support so “no one has to struggle to meet their daily needs”.

Tell that to a hungry person or household desperate for a decent meal. Food banks are a sign of gross inequality in this country.

They owe their existence to desperate conditions and require urgent political action to remove those conditions. In the meantime, Stourbridge food bank, based at St John’s Church, urgently needs donations. For further information please contact blackcountryfoodbank @yahoo.com.uk Edward Davies Cobden Street Stourbridge