"Universal Credit and zero hours contracts have definitely played their part"

After gathering all the information from our food bank interviews, speaking to various agency workers and volunteers along with general online research I think it's fair to say that the introduction of Universal Credit in Fife caused a significant increase in food bank use. Through volunteering with CARF myself and issuing food bank vouchers I have noted that one of the primary reasons for this is issues with benefits such as Universal Credit.

Although there are many other reasons and contributing factors such as to why people get into difficulties such as relationship breakdown bereavement, mental health issues, and unemployment, Universal Credit and zero hours contracts have definitely played their part.