University News Last updated 01 December 2015
Researchers from Birmingham City University are warning of a 'hidden hunger' within UK cities as food banks struggle to cope with demand, leaving thousands of people going hungry.
The team from the University's Faculty of Health, Education and Life Sciences are set to embark on a research project looking into food insufficiency in Birmingham and the part food banks play in helping people to feed their families.
Over 104,000 people in the West Midlands received three days' emergency food and support from Trussell Trust foodbanks during 2014 – 2015.
Isabella Nyambayo, Lecturer in Nutrition Science at Birmingham City University said:
Figures released last week revealed that hospitals in England had seen a rise in the number of patients being treated for malnutrition. More than 2,000 cases were reported by Trusts in England in a single year, and as Isabella explains this problem will only continue to escalate:
"Due to the economic downturn, families are feeling the squeeze. Food banks are essential but their accessibility and the quality of foods needs to be reviewed.
"Under current guidelines fresh fruit and vegetables are not included within food bank hampers which means families who solely rely on these are missing out on vital nutrients. We need to look at alternative ways to ensure that people have access to a variety of foods ensuring they get the balanced diet that they need."