Trussell Trust pilots financial advice at food banks

The charity behind over 400 food banks across the UK is taking an innovative approach to poverty. Through a partnership with several debt charities, a pilot program is coming to at least six food banks to provide financial advice to those seeking food aid.

The idea behind it is that many people that depend on supplemental food are already having financial difficulties. By making it easier for them to speak with a professional money advisor, they may be able to find a better solution to their current situation.

Money advice counsellors already help clients manage their money better. By preparing a household budget, the client can identify sources of wasteful spending or areas where costs could be reduced. Opportunities for earning more money may also be explored. Sometimes this could be through improved employment options, or even public benefit can be a source of funding. Often times those living in poverty are already struggling to afford living costs, so the extra counselling can help them discover a better solution.

The pilot makes sense because it provides a bit of a one-stop-shop for local residents who have multiple needs. It allows them to get financial education along with grocery items, making it a great way to spend an hour of their time.

Food banks sometimes come into criticism for contributing to the dependency of Britain’s poor. Yet it is necessary to prevent hunger, especially when children are growing up in poverty. This is a way to teach the poor to better take advantage of all of their opportunities. They want to see if there are improved methods for managing their finances so that they could potentially become more independent. That is the primary goal of the partnership between the Trussell Trust and the money advice charities.

It is an acknowledgement that some dependent families will avoid debt counselling, choosing instead to stick to what they are used to. By bringing in the counsellors to the food banks, these clients have the opportunity to ask questions and obtain assistance without taking the step of visiting a Citizens Advice Bureau or other financial counselling centre.

The pilot programme is funded by a generous donation from financial expert Martin Lewis. Up to 20 hours weekly in on-site money counselling will be provided by debt charities with nearby offices to the food banks.

The selected food banks that will take part in the pilot have yet to be announced. While the Trussell Trust supports over 400 locations, there are many more food banks in the UK.