“For almost one in every two children to be poor in twenty-first century Britain is not just a disgrace, but a social calamity and an economic disaster, all rolled into one.” Professor Philip Alston, United Nations Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights. The facts in the UK are stark. One in four children are currently living in poverty in our country. And this figure is growing. The UK is one of the richest countries in the world, yet has some of the highest rates of childhood food insecurity in all of Europe. This shocking situation has been linked in part to austerity-related tax and welfare changes. In fact, the situation has become so bad that the UN special rapporteur on Extreme Poverty and Human Rights, Phillip Alston visited the UK last November on an official visit. In a statement Professor Alston highlighted: - 14 million people, a fifth of the population, live in poverty. - Four million of these are more than 50% below the poverty line - 1.5 million are destitute, unable to afford basic essentials Me and my boy did a shift at our Foodbank today and one thing clear is the sheer volume of people in hardship. If anyone would like to donate any cereals, pasta , sugar, teabags, biscuits then please get in touch. My tip is spend £1 when you go shopping on value items. You’d be surprised how much you can accumulate. #thewanderinglondoner #foodbank #poverty #povertydie #foodpoverty #foodpovertyuk #foodphotography #poor #poorpeople #homeless #needy #universalcredit #britishhenwelfaretrust #welfare (at Chapters Food Bank with One Third Soup Kitchen) https://www.instagram.com/p/BuWq2ESl0iR/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=14nv3zzeott8c