First thing I notice is that the usage of foodbanks grew rapidly in the first part of the 2000's when unemployment and reliance on benefits was dropping.
Then I notice that after the introduction of WFF in 2005 usage dropped but by 2008 had resumed earlier levels.
Next the ratio of children to adults has increased from 2.86 children per adult in 2001-02 to 3.86 by 2010-11. One extra child. Which reminds me of a trick low income parents can pull. They simply invent an extra mouth. A client of mine got caught out when she couldn't remember the name of the extra mouth (cat got the mince from that particular parcel.)
But in any event the graph does not include details about whether the applicant is a parent or caregiver. It could be that when the ratio was lower there were more single applicants.
Obviously there is an impact from the recession. But underlying that there is a growing habit. A typical example of how governments or other organisations act to meet 'need' and in the process, create it.
Another wonderful example is the US food stamp program - now ever-so sensitively named the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program. A temporary measure which has become part of the wall paper. Foodbanks - build them and they will come.
2 comments:
build them and they will come
Right. And this principle underlies each and every welfare system
benefits create beneficiaries.
to remove beneficiaries, remove benefits.
over in Palmerston North a young lady with a social conscience has opened a new food bank in a now closed gas station. It caters to all who come and want a feed. Its called "Just Zilch." the foodbanks mantra reminds me of a past failed social experiment. people may take what they need based on their circumstances. i passed it this afternoon at 4.30 just before it opened. The line of hungry hopefuls all had the zonked out look of mental health patients finding life on the streets bewildering.
I think Palmerston North has about 5 official foodbanks and all are struggling the feed the needs of the multitude.
Dirk
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