New figures reveal 3133 people received emergency food supplies between April and September of this year – a shocking 13% increase on the same period in 2019, with 1144 of these being children.
We believe the increase in local people needing its support is due to people’s finances being hit by the impact of coronavirus; people waiting weeks for a first Universal Credit payment; people not able to access support or receiving payments that don’t cover the cost of essentials, continued issues with benefit payments; insecure work; and difficulty accessing local charities offering crisis support.
Sally Ellinson, our Foodbank Manager says:
“It’s a real concern that in the first six months of the pandemic we’ve provided 3133 emergency supplies to local people. And these figures don’t cover winter, which is usually our busiest time of year.”
“We’re always blown away by the amount of support and generosity local people show in supporting our work – and during this difficult year, our vital work has only been possible because of that incredible support. Thank you so much. While our help continues to be needed, we’re dedicated to ensuring that people without enough money for food are able to access emergency support.
“But ultimately, we don’t think it’s right that any of us are forced to turn to any charity for emergency food. All of us should have enough money for essentials. That’s why we’re working with the Trussell Trust to push for changes that will begin a Hunger Free Future. This can change.”