http://www.theguardian.com/society/2013 ... food-banks

If they'd accepted it it probably wouldn't have been much of a story!

Okay but if our government do not want to do anything about it then they should be able to step in.

I left my hometown because there was no work (35% unemployement) and a lot of people (inc. some of my own family) depend on Red Cross food parcels to make it through the month.
It makes me really sad to see that they are becoming common in the UK too

The fact that politicians tolerate wages and benefits being so low that they need this assistance should shame them. Unfortunately this lot really do not care about anyone apart from themselves so expect a lot more poverty before they are booted out.

Do you honestly think the next government (if its a different party) are going to be different and will eradicated the need for this type of service and do it in a way that is actually sustainable?

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Sadly it seems unlikely doesn't it? We have a capitalist culture which has become obsessed with 'profit growth' (not even profit itself is good enough, only the increase in profit), a management class for whom the first tactic for growing profit is cutting costs and labour (i.e. wages) is usually the largest cost in any business. So basically wages will continue to be sacrificed to appease the stock market gods.

The fact that there need to be enough people who can afford to buy products to generate this increasing profit doesn't seem to have filtered through enough yet. It possibly will by the time of the next election after 5 years of 'austerity'. However as you suggest, it's not like there's really an available alternative...

What is your definition of sustainable? It is perfectly capable of designing a solution that is not sustainable, and so use that as an excuse for not doing it. Just do not moan about it when members of your family start to need food parcels. In Gove's own words they are the reason for them needing it.

My definition of sustainable is one that is actually costed and funded and doesnt rely on ever increasing borrowing. Begger tomorrow for todays gain.
As for my own family. They seem to be able to cope and get enough food etc and if they did need help then I would help as best I could.

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The problem is that the governments deficit is still too large and they will continue to drive millions into poverty and homelessness. They are ignoring the tax loopholes and tax abuses because the party backers abuse them.

Both of those thing are impossible, France hasn't had 5 years of austerity, which we all know is the necessary and sufficient condition to make that happen.

Exactly.

Germany is driving all local councils to eliminate their debt by 2015.

the Red cross has been giving food parcels non stop in my town for at least 10 years. they also give clothing, toys and furniture.

I really think we are missing the point. Food banks are part of the Tory "big society" agenda - moving the burden if support from the state to private individuals.

It's a massive business opportunity, which no one has exploited yet.

1 - Open a Food Bank. Get super markets to donate out of code food in return for sponsorship.

2 - Expand to include concessions from payday loan companies, PPI claims outfits, personal injury lawyers, etc.

3 - Profit

4 - Repeat 1 - 3 in other locations

5 - IPO & float on stock market

6 - Massive donation to Tory Party

7 - Knighthood or peerage

And so on.

During a debate in the House of Commons on such things, Iain Duncan Smith leaves.
http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/fo ... in-2941100
(there’s a video of that bit)

and a woman had her amr broken when asda discounted TV's as part of the Black Friday deals - “Isn’t that a shocking sign in the 21st century?”

errr no not really it just shows what people will do when they think there is a bargin