Lichfield’s MP has criticised the “political weaponisation” of food banks after a visit to one helping people in the city.
Michael Fabricant met volunteers at Lichfield Foodbank over the weekend after an increase in the numbers using the facility were reported.
The Conservative MP said the use of food banks was now a worldwide issue.
“There are pockets of poverty in Lichfield as there is throughout the EU, so I was really pleased to meet a few of the volunteer at Lichfield Foodbank.
“We agreed practical steps I will take to help, which I shall take up with both national and local government, and with government agencies locally.
“There are more food banks in the EU and the US since 2010 as their effectiveness is recognised worldwide.
“Political weaponisation of food banks is counter-productive.”
Michael Fabricant
After referencing other countries in his comments on social media, Mr Fabricant was urged by Lichfield Foodbank to focus on the issues facing local residents, with the organisation pointing out that it operated four distribution centres compared to none in 2012.
But the Conservative MP said there was “one collection point and four distribution points” being run by local organisations “for convenience”.
Lichfield Foodbank’s spokesperson responded:
“There are multiple collection points and distribution centres open four days per week, strategically placed to support those most in need.”
Lichfield Foodbank spokesperson
Mr Fabricant also drew criticism from Labour’s Cllr Dave Robertson after the MP claimed 0.5% of people in Lichfield were using food banks.
The Lichfield District Council representative for Curborough said:
“He means this food bank. If he actually cared he’d know that Cannock Foodbank help people in our constituency, plus Burntwood Be A Friend, Helping Each Other Together and local secondary schools have all supported people in need over the last 18 months.”
Cllr Dave Robertson, Lichfield District Council
