Foodbanks support people living below the poverty line – in pictures

Figures released this April by the Trussell Trust show that foodbanks fed 128,697 people nationwide in the last financial year, compared to 61,468 in 2010-11: an increase of 109%. Photograph: Kayte Brimacombe Photograph: Kayte Brimacombe/PR 45,898 children have been fed at foodbanks across the UK in the last 12 months. Photograph: Kayte Brimacombe Photograph: Kayte Brimacombe/PR Many of those helped were families struggling as a result of rising food and fuel prices combined with static incomes, high unemployment and changes to benefits. Photograph: Kayte Brimacombe Photograph: Kayte Brimacombe/PR Trusell Trust is a Christian organisation motivated by the Church’s teaching on poverty and injustice. Photograph: Kayte Brimacombe Photograph: Kayte Brimacombe/PR All the food is donated by the public and the foodbank depends on volunteers’ time and commitment. Photograph: Kayte Brimacombe Photograph: Kayte Brimacombe/PR 13 million people live below the poverty line in the UK. Photograph: Kayte Brimacombe Photograph: Kayte Brimacombe/PR The Trussell Trust partners with churches and communities to open new foodbanks nationwide. It already runs 200 foodbanks, and its goal is for every town to have one. Photograph: Kayte Brimacombe Photograph: Kayte Brimacombe/PR The first foodbank was established in Salisbury in 2000. Photograph: Kayte Brimacombe Photograph: Kayte Brimacombe/PR Each foodbox contains a minimum of three days' nutritionally balanced, non-perishable food. Photograph: Kayte Brimacombe Photograph: Kayte Brimacombe/PR Although foodbanks are a Christian organisation, people of all faiths or none are welcome. If clients wish it, volunteers will pray with them. Photograph: Kayte Brimacombe Photograph: Kayte Brimacombe/PR