Food banks are vital for the poor – and state inaction and coronavirus stockpiling is putting them under threat

Editorial: Further action from the government is required to help thwart stockpilers. It’s the best way to ensure there will be more food for everyone, especially those who need it most

Football fans donate to a food bank in London (BPI/Rex)

The pressure on food banks is one of the first holes opening up in British society’s defences against the economic firestorm caused by the coronavirus pandemic. As we report today, charities are warning that food banks are running low because of increased demand and dwindling supplies.

If Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak are to make good on their fine words about our “capacity for compassion” in our “collective national effort”, this is something they need to act on urgently.

There are, of course, other urgent priorities: income protection for freelance and casual workers is needed to put them on the same footing as employees, for example, to prevent them falling through the cracks and needing food banks.