They have just introduced food stamps in the UK to replace crisis loans which were repayable but you could spend the money on what you wanted.
Food stamps are redeemable only in Asda (Walmart) and ony for food. (Not cigarettes or alcohol. Not sure about any other restrictions).
Food banks are the biggest growth industry in the UK next to our welfare costs.
Our government too keep saying unemployment is down but the welfare bill is rising. Only 13% of the bill is unemployment payments.
The cost of living is so high often a family with both parents working still need help towards rent and bills but the government do nothing to raise the minimum wage and vilify those who do qualify for help as lazy and scroungers.