Food banks in the UK

[00:00.36] When looking at Western Europe, we don't usually think about poverty - but in fact, some people in modern-day Britain are so hard up that they can't afford to buy food.

[00:12.39] Back in 2008, the financial crisis caused a lot of redundancies Then there were the cuts to the welfare system in 2013 which added to the problem - and many British people fell into debt.

[00:25.67] It's estimated that 500,000 people in the UK have turned to food banks, just to get by.

[00:33.19] Steph Hagen, who works in a Nottingham food bank, says: "People do not go to a food bank because it's an open door.

[00:40.96] It's a case of they go to it because they need to. With our food bank - we are an independent one, and we have limited stocks - everyone who comes through our door has no income whatsoever."

[00:53.73] There are checks and referrals to make sure nobody is abusing the system.

[00:58.74] If a doctor or a social worker thinks someone needs to use a food bank - even for a short time - they can give them vouchers.

[01:06.26] Then the people in need take the vouchers along to the food bank and they get handouts for three days.

[01:13.53] Churches and individual donors provide most of the food in the banks. But some businesses might help out too.

[01:21.80] And what sort of food is offered in food banks? Hagen says: "Basically, we've got porridge.

[01:28.57] We do occasionally get fresh produce but it's very rare, especially in the winter months.

[01:34.83] It's like, tinned fruit, tinned ready meals.

[01:38.59] We have to give out 'no-cooking' food parcels because people can't afford the gas and electricity".

[01:45.61] Community spirit has a lot to do with food banks.

[01:49.12] Volunteers say they are a great meeting place for people who are lonely and depressed.

[01:54.37] And when facing a crisis, some beneficiaries might need to feed not only their belly - but also their soul.