Pandemic Fallout: Food Bank Demand Skyrockets

Nearly six years after the pandemic began, a Manchester charity continues to face severe consequences. Mustard Tree's food bank usage has quadrupled since March 2020, with daily visitors increasing from 10-15 to approximately 60.

Charity officials express concern as the Covid-19 UK Inquiry examines the pandemic's societal impact. They note a rise in evictions and increasing inequality, with life expectancy falling in parts of Greater Manchester. The cost of living crisis has further strained households already struggling post-pandemic.

Mustard Tree is urging the government to treat poverty with the same emergency response as the pandemic, highlighting that inequalities existed pre-Covid but were exacerbated. The charity also points to the profound impact on public mental health due to isolation and loss of social outlets.

Module 10 of the UK inquiry is focusing on the pandemic's effect on vulnerable groups, key workers, and mental well-being. The inquiry has gathered nearly 60,000 personal accounts, revealing significant emotional distress and loneliness experienced by the public.