MORE than 4,270 three day emergency food supplies were provided to local people by Worcester Foodbank in 2015/16 – a rise of more than 10 per cent compared to the previous year.
New figures published by the charity today (Friday) have revealed that low income (29 per cent) and benefit delays (28 per cent) were the two biggest reasons people were forced to seek help.
The winter was a particularly bleak time for people battling food poverty in Worcester with volunteers witnessing a 34 per cent surge in demand for aid from December 2015 to March 2016, compared to the same period in 2014/15.
Grahame Lucas, Worcester Foodbank Manager, said: “It is desperately sad that more individuals and families are being forced to turn to us to put food on the table.
“It’s all too easy when you look at the numbers to forget that these are not just statistics – these are real people whose lives have often been turned upside down by circumstances beyond their control.
“That’s why our work is so vital and why we are very grateful for the unwavering support we receive from the local community. We hope one day there will be no need for us, but until that day comes we will do everything we can to help people in crisis.”
The growth in demand for emergency food has been matched by local people’s incredible generosity with supermarket shoppers, schools, businesses, churches and other organisations donating 41 tonnes of food during 2015/16,” he added.
This outpouring of support has enabled foodbank to provide struggling clients with other essentials, including washing powder, nappies and hygiene products like shampoo and shower gel.
Clients are also signposted by volunteers to other services to help them get back on their feet, including money management and debt support.
