I have the feeling that the rise in the number of Food Banks in the UK is as a political weapon against capitalism rather than in response to a genuine need.

Well, in fairness, left wing politics generally stems from a criticism of capitalism. I also think its as dangerous to ignore criticisms of capitalisms failings, as it would be to ignore criticisms of Communisms of Fascisms failings.

Social movements tend to arise out of a need or issue in society, food banks aren't an exception. My life time has seen a significant issue arising in terms of homelessness and increased need of people who are in employment on social support and benefits, as well as a greater reliance on charity for the provisions of social support, both among the employed and the unemployed.

Part of the problem of these issues, has come from the inequalities of society, notably by successive governments policy of targeting 'savings' in fringe areas and to support economic pressure groups focuses.

The failure to tackle the rising cost of housing from the property boom, care in the community, Freedom of Movements effects on wages, lack of council housing, speculation on the housing markets, cuts in public services, a minimum wages not linked to the cost of living have all functioned to undermine the position of the working class.

People are using food banks because they serve a need in society. Those people might not all be actually staving derelicts in abject poverty - but they are a real thing, driven by a true disparity and the increased real terms impoverishment of the working classes in society (driven in part by cheap migrant labour, wage stagnation and rising essential costs).

I think we cannot just ignore the fact that the working classes, and notably the manual working classes have not been completely shafted by polices and changes, by and during, the last five governments.

Probably the two biggest factors involved have been the death of Industrial Britain and the EU Freedom of Movement in creating a poverty of opportunity.

Working was always a route to escape from poverty during the post war years - and we have completely removed this capacity to escape poverty through employment for many people in or bordering on poverty.

In my fathers age a man with few skills,, working in a fairly average capacity could support a wife and two kids. Now that man is better of remaining unemployed than working, and not because benefits are too high, but wages are far to low. The minimum wage is far lower than anyone could reasonably be expected to survive on whilst fulfilling family responsibilities or duties.

"One Nation Under God, has turned into One Nation Under the Influence of One Drug"
[Link]

Arguably this is something we've actually become worse at rather than better. My suspicion in regards to food banks is that two major factors drive them. It would be churlish to assume that there hasn't been an increase in need, but I also think, that the 400 fold increase in 'food banks' also stems from the far more corporate nature of charities. Charity in the modern age is 'business', and to an extent food banks represent a method of conducting that business - irrespective of their need, charities like any business require 'areas of growth', causes and publicity to prosper. Food banks are a cheaper option to say Homeless shelters for charities.

I was having a chat with Keith, a homeless local, recently. His opinion was that food was no longer really an issue for homeless, it is hostels. Interestingly, Reading has seen a growth in charity food outlets and banks, whilst all of the homeless shelters (some run by the same charities) have closed in the last five years.

"One Nation Under God, has turned into One Nation Under the Influence of One Drug"
[Link]

Yeah that's right. Look how fat these people are who go to food banks, they ain't exactly going without are they? And they always seem to have money for fags and alcohol too. People always exaggerate these days. Just attention seeking bull5h1ters on the make or leftist idealists with an axe to grind.

Now you mention it, I don't think smokers should have access to food banks. But if you think I'm out of order for saying it you're just supporting this system where you don't have to make such sacrifices.

The Tories are the bad guys, but it's not their fault everyone gets caught up in the net. If you think we came from a system of free healthcare and support for the unemployed to where we are now, where people choose not to work, something needs to change and the cuts along with the living wage are the closest we've ever been to reversing the abuse.

Food Banks aren't run and owned by the state, so I'm not really sure that is a viable rule. The other side of the coin is that their smoking might well be the only taxation revenue these people are generating.

Problem is people blame the Conservative party. Its not their fault, they're just appealing to their voters in the same way Labour does, problem is both of them are representing more or less the same people - UK corporate interests, over the interests of the people.

Both New Labour and the Conservatives have equally been guilty of pandering to corporate interests over that of the population (New Labour more so, in my opinion). Especially the population that isn't going to vote for them.

I don't think they're any better or worse than Labour, they just have a different approach to maintaining the corporate state. The problem lies with the electorate in that we've bought into this idea that its Red good/bad Blue good/bad - and everyone else is a 'protest vote or vote wasted' as the system is rigged in their favour.

Whilst I don't particularly like the SNP or UKIP, or agree that their policies are even sustainable long term, there is generally a consensus that they are interested more in the electorates concerns than the mainstream parties.

"One Nation Under God, has turned into One Nation Under the Influence of One Drug"
[Link]