FOOD WORKERS GOING HUNGRY

Number of those relying on food banks rises 10%

- PAUL HUTCHEON

NEARLY one in five workers who keep the country fed are themselves using food banks.

A survey by the Bakers Food and Allied Workers Union also shows a third of respondents have depended on family or friends for food.

The findings are contained in a report by the BFAWU based on discussions with members.

Almost 17 per cent of the food workers who took part have relied on food banks, up from seven per cent.

Those depending on family and friends rose from 20 per cent to 34 per cent.

More than 60 per cent of respondents said their wages are not high enough to meet their basic needs.