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Increasing prices forces more British citizens to use foodbanks

Spiralling prices for energy, food and other basics leave a growing number of Britons struggling. Simon Jackson -- an unemployed former supermarket worker -- has been a foodbank user since February. "It is a tougher time at the minute... the cost of living's skyrocketed to a point of we're having to use foodbanks a bit more," he said.

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Increasing prices forces more British citizens to use foodbanks

"Come this winter, when you really do need it on... I just don't know how people are going to survive."

Jackson predicted the biggest squeeze could come at Christmas, as families in particular grapple with giving presents as well as putting food on the table.

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Increasing prices forces more British citizens to use foodbanks

"It might not be so much for me, because I'm on my own -- I'll just put an extra blanket on or something," he said.

"But for those with small kids that have Christmas presents and other needs... it's really going to be tough."

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Increasing prices forces more British citizens to use foodbanks

Simone Hillhands, 34, is one. She has three children aged 10, 13 and 15. One of them has a disability, which prevents her from working full time. Her children's school directed her to the foodbank.

"I need to care for them," she explained.

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Increasing prices forces more British citizens to use foodbanks

Reluctant to reveal too much of her personal circumstances, Hillhands confided that her sister had recently been made homeless and the wider family's situation was "really, really hard" with prices rising.

"They've gone through the roof... it's crazy!" she said, adding that despite the pandemic, "last year was a lot easier".