Demand for Dorset foodbanks remains steady
Trussell's revealed stats for April to September this year
Demand at foodbanks across Dorset has remained steady, but the need is still greater than ever - according to stats from anti poverty charity Trussell.
A total of 8,287 parcels were provided in the BCP area between April and September - with 1,440 in the Dorset Council area.
That's about 200 more than in the same period last year.
Food bank network Trussell said the number of people still facing hunger and hardship remains "heartbreaking" though.
Amongst the Dorset figures are 2,640 food parcels for children, and the usage has risen by 77% since 2018.
Trussell says there are a number of possible reasons for arecent 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.
Emma Revie, chief executive of Trussell, said:
“The sheer numbers of people in Dorset 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. 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 Yorkshire and the Humber 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.”