Demand for South West foodbanks dipping slightly say charity

Demand at foodbanks across the South West has dipped but the need is still greater than ever - according to stats from charity Trussell.

Just over 114,100 emergency food parcels were provided across the region between April and September this year - that's around a 4% drop on the same period last year.

However, the figures for 2024 show a 62% increase in the number of parcels distributed in the South West compared to 2019.

Food bank network Trussell said the number of people still facing hunger and hardship remains "heartbreaking".

Amongst the South West figures are 40,365 food parcels for children, and the usage has risen by 55% since 2019.

Trussell says there are a number of possible reasons for a recent small dip, such as the gradual slowdown in the extortionate price hikes we experienced on food and bills in recent years, and an end to the Local Housing Allowance freeze in April, bringing support for private renters back in line with local rents.

But the charity says it’s difficult to say if there has been an actual drop in hunger and hardship.

Trussell says while food banks are a last resort for people who’ve been left isolated, facing hunger, and without enough money to live on, many are at breaking point due to years of growing numbers of people forced through their doors.

Winter is often the busiest time for food banks and the anti poverty charity is calling on the public to continue to play their part and support their local food banks to meet this urgent need, by volunteering, donating, fundraising or campaigning to help end hunger in the UK.

"Food banks are a lifeline"

Emma Revie, chief executive of Trussell, said: “The sheer numbers of people in the South West still facing hunger and hardship is heartbreaking.

“This cannot go on and we refuse to stand by while so many of us are pushed to the brink, left without enough money to live on.

“Our food banks are a lifeline, offering a warm welcome and space to be heard. They need everyone to play their part to move us towards ending the need for emergency food. Y

"You can help make sure food banks can continue to provide warm, compassionate, practical support and advice this winter by volunteering, donating, fundraising or campaigning to help end hunger in the South West and the rest of the UK.

"The UK Government was elected with a manifesto pledge to end the need for emergency food and the time to act is now. There have been promising steps, but we need a clearer plan with more decisive action to invest in our social security system, if we are to end hunger once and for all."

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