As the days get shorter and the afternoons darker, many enjoy this time to socialise with friends, go on nights out and celebrate the countdown to Christmas. However, these joys aren’t shared by everyone; especially not the predicted 600,000 regular and new food bank users. Who’s use of food banks are necessary for survival of the next three months.
As the cost-of-living crisis continues and inflation is higher than ever, everyday people are faced with the mental and physical burden of where their next meal is coming from.
This burden becomes a battle due to winter approaching as many will have to choose between heating their homes or being able to purchase their next meal. For food banks, this hasn’t gone unnoticed as they’re bracing for their worst winter yet. Trussell Trust predicts “over one million emergency food parcels will be provided between December 2023 - February 2024” the most parcels ever provided over this period.
These statistics are distressing for the upcoming months, however, data shows there has been a rising demand for food banks throughout recent years. So much so that 30 organisations recently wrote to Chancellor Jeremy Hunt urging him to issue targeted funds for charities within his March budget. In the hopes that they’ll gain support for energy costs and increase payment for government contracts in line with inflation.
Food banks now are reaching “their breaking point” as they’re facing a demand that they’ve never encountered before. Aside from the cost-of-living crisis and inflation, donations are decreasing. Therefore a vast majority of food banks are having to purchase stock to make up the shortfall. Now facing uncharted waters with over 50% of food banks and community groups operating at full capacity, even turning people away.
Today food bank users are from all walks of life, including teachers, families, NHS staff and social housing users. A similarity between them all is they found themselves left with no other option but to turn to a food bank for help. 65% of parcels provided by Trussell Trust this year were for families with children. Many companies like Asda, Morrisons and Subway have taken action offering free or majorly reduced meals for children during holiday periods, this support can be a lifesaver for families.
There are numerous ways you can support food banks now or throughout the year, these are the best ways:
Firstly if you’re unsure of your local food bank it’s best to just search online as there are 2,500 various centres throughout the UK. They often have volunteering opportunities or fundraisers.
Food banks don’t just need donations and money, they need online awareness. So if you’re unable to financially support the best thing to do is engage and share with your local food bank online. You can like, comment or reshare to spread the message!
Not everyone has the time to donate a few items, if this sounds like you an easy alternative is to buy a few extra items at your food shop and put them in the food bank box. A majority of supermarkets have a box that gets collected weekly.
Christmas time means food banks have to be more prepared, as they require selected items before certain dates like advent calendars or festive foods. So it’s always important to check online before purchasing items!
Image: https://www.mirror.co.uk/lifestyle/family/things-food-banks-need-most-9494879 - Lady with Christmas hat on reaching for tin
: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/we-have-never-seen-it-like-this-before-food-banks-prepare-for-worst-winter-yet/ - First image on page
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