Staffordshire bishop's anger over people going hungry
Church leaders in Staffordshire have hit out at the Government as more and more people are forced to turn to food banks to survive.
The Bishop of Lichfield Jonathan Gledhill was among those claiming the country's top politicians do not realise the extent of 21st century poverty.
He was speaking at an event held yesterday to mark the first anniversary of a food bank opening.
Since its launch on November 6 last year the bank has helped 877 people, 329 of which have been children.
Rt Rev Gledhill said: "Wherever I go these days they tell me a food bank has sprung up and I wanted to come on the first anniversary of this one to see it in action.
"This is offering a hugely important service. It is such a shock to discover there are people who are going hungry. That makes me very angry.
"The government is not supporting these people. It has even made tactless remarks that it is their own fault for being disorganised.
"We should be able to give people more than that."
Rt Rev Gledhill said he was pleased communities were rallying round to support people in need.
The Reverend Martin Tanner, vicar of St Mary's Church in Market Drayton, Shropshire, agreed with the Bishop.
He said: "The food bank is for people in crisis and is only for those who have experienced a change in circumstances. They may have had their hours reduced at work, had their benefits cut or even had a house fire.
"I'm very proud of the work that has taken place here but you have to ask the question why on earth does it need to happen?"
Rt Rev Gledhill was attending a food bank in Market Drayton when he made the comments.
