IT is a staggering fact of life.

In this day and age families shouldn't be struggling to survive yet, according to a new report, UK foodbank use is continuing to rise.

Latest statistics from the anti-poverty charity, The Trussell Trust, reveal that between April 1 2016 and March 31 2017 the charity's Foodbank Network provided 1,182,954 three day emergency food supplies to people in crisis compared to 1,109,309 in 2015-2016. Of this figure, 436,938 went to children.

The charity's new report Early Warnings: Universal Credit and Foodbanks, highlights that although the rollout of the new Universal Credit System for administering benefits has been piecemeal so far, foodbanks in areas of partial or full rollout are reporting significant problems with its impact.

Among the key findings from the report are foodbanks in areas of full Universal Credit rollout to single people, couples and families, have seen a 16.85 per cent average increase in referrals for emergency food, more than double the national average of 6.64 per cent.

The effect of a 6+ week waiting period for a first Universal Credit payment can be serious leading to foodbank referrals, debt, mental health issues, rent arrears and eviction. These effects can last even after people receive their Universal Credit payments, as bills and debts pile up.

People in insecure or seasonal work are particularly affected which suggests the work incentives in Universal Credit are not yet helping anyone.

Navigating the online system can be difficult for people struggling with computers or unable to afford telephone helplines. In some cases, the system does not register people's claims correctly, invalidating it.

Trussell Trust data also reveals that benefit delays and changes remain the biggest cause of referral to a foodbank, accounting for 43 per cent of all referrals.

Low income has also risen as a referral cause from 23 per cent to 26 per cent.

Among the report's key recommendations are a reduction of the six week waiting period for Universal Credit which the charity says would make a significant difference to people's ability to cope with no income, and more flexibility in the administration of Universal Credit is required to support people moving onto the new system.

David McAuley, chief executive of The Trussell Trust, says: "The move to simplify an often complex welfare system is a welcome one but any large reform can have unforeseen consequences.

"Foodbanks see first-hand how changes to the welfare system affect people on the ground and so can offer an early warning to decision-makers. We are sharing our early observations with the Department for Work and Pensions to ensure any adverse side effects Universal Credit can have on people are addressed before full rollout is completed. We have been heartened by Secretary of State, Damian Green's willingness to engage, his department's work to pilot improvements, and the recent changes to the Universal Credit taper rate which mean people moving into work will keep more of their earnings.

"We hope our insights can inform efforts to make sure the values on which Universal Credit is built are delivered in practice. To stop UK hunger we must make sure the welfare system really does work for everyone."

Juli Thompson, chief executive and project manager of Inn Churches which runs The Storehouse and cafe in Caledonia Street, Bradford, an initiative helping to tackle food poverty and food waste by intercepting surplus and unwanted food from partners across the city and redistributing it to people in need, understands around 30,000 children are going hungry daily in Bradford.

She says since The Storehouse launched two years ago in June they have seen an increase in their service month on month, matching the national statistics.

In March the Storehouse intercepted 21 tonnes of food and distributed it to over 25 community groups, each tonne contributing to approximately 2,000 meals.

Says Juli: "The key issues seem to be a need of affordable food for families and providing school children with food during the holidays to make up for a loss of school meals."

During Easter they worked with Fareshare, a food supply organisation for the vulnerable and needy, to distribute food to local community groups helping them feed the children in their care.

Juli explains they were also recently approached by a community group in Shipley and a school in West Bowling to see if they could support them in provision for families.

"The stories across the city seem to follow a similar narrative.......cuts in funding and provisions and a rise in demand," adds Juli.

For more information visit trusselltrust.org.