A record 4900 emergency food supplies given to local people in last year, Taunton Foodbank reveals
Between 1st April 2017 and 31st March 2018, 4900 three day emergency food supplies were provided to local people in crisis by Taunton Foodbank, compared to 4356 in the previous year. Of this number, 1837 went to children.
The foodbank, a member of The Trussell Trust’s network which has today reported a UK-wide increase in foodbank use, believes the local increase is due to people struggling with continued issues with benefit payments in particular issues relating to Universal Credit.
Taunton Foodbank shares the concerns of other foodbanks in full Universal Credit rollout areas, highlighted today by The Trussell Trust in a new report about the difficulties some people are experiencing. The foodbank has provided emergency food and support to people needing help due to: the adverse impact of the initial wait, the inability of Universal Credit payments to cover the cost of living, and difficulty in adapting to monthly payments.
As part of a national network campaigning for change, the foodbank is working hard to offer practical emergency support to help prevent people affected going hungry, whilst simultaneously participating in vital research and raising awareness about the issues local people are facing.
Sue Weightman, Foodbank Manager of Taunton Foodbank said:
“We don’t want to be here forever. No one in Taunton Deane should need a foodbank’s help and we want to see an end to local people needing emergency food at all. It doesn’t have to be this way – with a benefits system that catches people before they fall into crisis, and secure work that provides people with enough money to cover the cost of essentials, this is possible. But until that time, we’ll continue to provide vital support when it matters most – we’re dedicated to ensuring that people in our community with no money for food are able to access emergency support, and that has only been possible in the last year because of the incredible generosity shown by local people in donating food, time and funds. Thank you.”
The running costs for the foodbank are around £24,500 a year, all of which is raised locally to enable them to continue their work. Costs include warehouse space to sort and stock donated food, a part-time paid manager and other overheads like utilities and insurances. The foodbank welcomes any new offers of help with funding – local businesses, organisations and individuals interested in supporting the foodbank’s work can find out more at https://taunton.foodbank.org.uk/give-help/donate-money/