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Understanding the Prevalence and Drivers of Food Bank Use: Evidence from Deprived Communities in Glasgow

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  15 March 2018

Mary Anne MacLeod ,
Angela Curl  and
Ade Kearns
Mary Anne MacLeod
Affiliation:
Department of Urban Studies, University of Glasgow E-mail: m.macleod.2@research.gla.ac.uk
Angela Curl
Affiliation:
Department of Geography, University of Canterbury–Te Whare Wānanga O Waitaha, New Zealand E-mail: angela.curl@canterbury.ac.nz
Ade Kearns
Affiliation:
Department of Urban Studies, University of Glasgow E-mail: ade.kearns@glasgow.ac.uk
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Abstract

This article provides quantitative analysis of a self-reported measure of food bank use in the UK, adding to a sparse evidence base. Evidence from fifteen deprived communities in Glasgow is used to examine the scale of food bank use and to consider its relationship with socio-demographic, health, and financial variables. Being affected by welfare reforms was found to increase the likelihood of food bank use. Young men and those with mental health problems were found to be more likely than others to have used a food bank. Food banks appear to be used by groups who are being under-served by the welfare state and suffering the most acute impacts of austerity. The very low prevalence of food bank use among those who struggle to afford food points to their inadequacy as a response to food insecurity.

Keywords

Food bankswelfare reformfood insecurity
Type
Articles
Information
Social Policy and Society , Volume 18 , Issue 1 , January 2019 , pp. 67 - 86
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2018 

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