Concerns for this winter as Taunton Foodbank reveals over 1000 emergency food boxes went out to local people in six months
Between 1st April and 30th September this year Taunton Foodbank provided 1015 emergency food boxes supplying three days’ food for 2135 local people including 773 children.
The Foodbank, a member of The Trussell Trust’s network which has today reported a UK-wide increase foodbank use, is concerned its help will be even more needed in the next six months of the year, as the colder weather draws in.
Taunton figures show a very small decrease of less than 6% on the same period last year. The charity had been hoping to see a larger decrease in the numbers of people needing emergency food supplies as a result of improvements to the administration of the Universal Credit benefit. However, despite the changes the Foodbank has still needed to give emergency food and support to people who are waiting for a first Universal Credit payment and those who are receiving payments but find that it is not enough to cover the cost of essentials. Figures show an increase in those needing help because of sickness, debt, homelessness and low income.
Sue Weightman, Foodbank Manager of Taunton Foodbank said:
“It’s a real concern that in only six months we’ve provided over 1000 emergency boxes to local people. These figures don’t even cover our busiest time of year – as the colder weather draws in, we often find more people needing our help.
“It’s not right that anyone in Taunton Deane is being forced to turn to our foodbank. Our volunteers offer vital support when it matters most, but they should not need to. We want to see an end to local people needing emergency food – 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, we could reach that future. We’re determined to make sure that until that time comes, emergency help is here for people, but there needs to be some long-term change because we don’t want to be here forever.”
The foodbank is particularly in need of long life juice, squash, toiletries (all sorts), tinned rice pudding and custard, tinned cold meat. The charity has asked for festive donations to be donated in early December at the latest, to ensure volunteers have enough time to process and distribute these donations to people before Christmas.
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/