Bishop visits Drayton food bank

Bishop of Lichfield, Jonathan Gledhill, visited a Market Drayton food bank this week where he attacked Government policies on the poor

The bishop said he was "very angry" that families were forced to rely on charity to be fed and the extent of poverty in Britain today

He said: "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."

Bishop Gledhill made his remarks while on a visit to mark the first anniversary of the Market Drayton food bank, one of several set up in the area recently.

The bishop met St Mary's Church vicar, Reverend Martin Tanner, who is helping to run the Market Drayton food bank.

Since its launch on November 6th last year the bank has helped almost 900 people, more than a third of which have been children.

A food bank opened in Whitchurch in September this year and there is a further food bank operating in Nantwich.

Those in need are referred to the food bank by GPs, counsellors and others. Many referrals are because of debt, low income, or a delay in benefits.

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