The families of British soldiers are forced to rely on charity food handouts to make ends meet on the low wages
03 August 2009 | Telegraph.Co.UK
Their financial problems are increased when regiments are sent overseas on tour as spouses are burdened with extra expenses such as childcare and larger phone bills.
The charity Foodbank, based in Salisbury, Wiltshire, has handed out hundreds of food parcels to struggling military families in the past three years.
The charity’s network manager, Jeremy Ravn, told The Sun newspaper that wives and families resorted to the parcels when they were hit by unexpected expenses.
“There is always the cost of extra child care and travel and bigger phone bills,” he said. “But because the lower ranks are not paid well, often just a large bill or a hiccup in the pay system is enough to push them over the edge.
“Speaking as an ex-soldier, it is very distressing to see forces people in this state. It is heartbreaking when you see them come in. But it’s nice to be able to help them immediately.”
Shadow Defence Secretary Liam Fox said the news was an “outrage”.
