Whilst Amber Rudd makes noises but takes little action when it comes to making the benefit system more humane and as we witness the Universal Credit rollout devastate nearly every home it touches, now seems a more appropriate time than ever to think of others. Nothing is harder than to be alone at Christmas starring into empty cupboards or fearing the new year whilst you await the drop of another dreaded sanction delivering DWP brown envelope. And nothing is harder for a parent than not knowing how you will feed your children over the Christmas holidays and beyond.

So this festive season as you fill your trolley with delicious wonders and get set for a time of feasting with friends and family, please give a thought for those to whom Christmas only brings dread. Buy just one thing extra – check your local foodbanks list of required items, donate at the collection point in your local supermarket or fill a bag and deliver it direct to your local foodbank and bring some joy this yuletide at what can be the harshest time of year.

Support those foodbanks in your area making a real difference and make a donation that can fill someone’s Christmas with hope rather than despair. However small, be it a tin of beans, a Christmas pudding or an online donation, lets come together this Christmas and show Rudd and the Tories that there are those in the UK who really will take action to end food poverty.

To find a foodbank near you and how you can help and donate click here

“Christmas is supposed to be a time for joy but what we’re seeing is the festive period becoming increasingly stressful for more and more people across the country. Our benefits system is supposed protect us all from being swept into poverty – but what we’re seeing is people struggling to heat homes and put food on the table because they simply cannot afford the basics anymore and that just isn’t right.

“We know it doesn’t have to be like this. In the short-term we’re urging the public to donate generously during the first part of December and into the new year, as unfortunately the need for foodbanks is not going to end after Christmas.

“Ultimately, it’s unacceptable that anyone should have to use a foodbank in the first place. We do not want to be here in the long-term, continuing to pick up the pieces. That’s why we’re urging the Government to ensure benefits payments reflect the cost of living and reduce the waiting time for Universal Credit to help ensure we are all anchored from poverty.” Emma Revie, The Trussell Trust’s chief executive.