Taunton Foodbank and its hubs in Wellington and Wiveliscombe have distributed more than three times as many School Holiday boxes this year than in the corresponding period a year ago. From 1 April to 30 September, which includes both the Easter and Summer holidays, 318 School Holiday Boxes have been given out compared to 99 boxes in 2019.
Sue Weightman, Manager, Taunton Foodbank, said: “All of us who work for the Foodbanks here in Taunton, Wellington and Wiveliscombe are saddened to see such a rise in figures for the school holiday boxes that are specifically aimed at families with children. Our experience over the eight years since opening the Foodbank in Taunton shows us that child poverty and food insecurity is not a new issue. Many families have struggled financially during the long school holidays and some children have gone to bed hungry. The Covid crisis and the intervention of Marcus Rashford has highlighted this issue and we hope will bring about lasting change.
Taunton Foodbank and its hubs have always supplied families identified as in need by their relevant schools with school food parcels over the holidays, and have done so for many years. If you think you will need our help through the school holidays/half term please contact your Parent Family Support Advisor at your school and s/he will arrange it with us. We do not want any child to go hungry, ever.”