Fears numbers using Derbyshire foodbanks could rise

A Derby foodbank charity says it has supported 40,000 people, including 17,000 children, in the city during the cost of living crisis – and there are fears the numbers could rise further.

Paul Brookhouse, manager of the Derby Food 4 Thought Alliance charity which runs foodbanks and poverty campaigns across the city say he fears next winter could be even tougher than the last.

The charity has recently revealed it gave out 20,314 food parcels throughout 2022.

This helped support more than 22,000 adults and 17,000 children. The charity has also worked with Derby City Council’s housing arm Derby Homes to supply people with thousands of pounds of heated blankets, air fryers and slow cookers.

The figures bear out what was expected to be a tough winter for people living in Derby’s most deprived areas, as the cost of living crisis saw inflation rising and the prices of food, gas and electricity increasing to record levels.

Mr Brookhouse said resources continue to be stretched and demand continues to grow – making the coming winter possibly harder than the last just gone.

He said:

“The winter was very difficult for lots of people. I think the one saving grace was that we didn’t have a really cold winter so it could have been a lot worse. I think it’s been a very challenging time and it still is a very challenging time for many people.

“But my personal view is that next winter could be worse. I think things like people’s mental health over the crisis could build up and I don’t think the cost of living crisis will go away. Nothing is really going down in price. It still feels like we are still in the storm and the post-effects of Covid are still in everyone’s minds as well.

“Next winter is going to test how stretched resources are across the sector. Currently, there’s a real strain on resources at a time when the demand for them is so high.”

Last year Derby City Council launched a Warm Spaces scheme to help residents go somewhere to keep warm and at the same time keep their home costs down. Mr Brookhouse said these have been a huge success with one of them attracting between 50 and 60 people each session.

The Government says they're providing record financial help to those who need it most' through a number of support schemes.