New foodbank opens in North Yorkshire to meet increased demand
The Trussell Trust say more people are needing support
A new foodbank is opening in North Yorkshire to help meet increased demand.
It'll be at Jennyfield Evangelical Church and will become the fifth foodbank in the Harrogate district.
Dawn Cussons is the area manager and says more and more people are struggling.
"Tearful, angry, cross and hungry"
"In 2019 we fed just over 2,500 people. Last year, we fed nearly 4,500 and donations are down about 16% so it's quite a big gap. People are struggling at the moment and it's really sad.
"We're reported to be one of the wealthiest towns outside of London. So why have we got over 4,000 people coming to visit our food banks? That's the top and bottom of it, really. Why? It shouldn't be like that.
"We started in Harrogate almost 12 years ago and we open four days a week in five places now, so it's just sad that it's come to this and it's gradually getting worse. Donations are down, people coming through our doors has increased.
"We're human beings and it affects you. The job I do is sometimes difficult and you see people in real need, people coming in and tearful and frustrated, angry, cross, hungry, and it's not fair so we just need to try and make a difference if we can, and I'm so privileged to be able to do this job and help a little bit where we can."
"Trussell trusts have always been a voucher provided before you come to the food bank type of system. So if people can get a voucher, we have a lot of referral agents in the Harrogate area. So if anyone's working with a caseworker, a social worker, citizen's advisor through their doctors and people that have been before within our area know that they need to get a voucher and it's always advisable because it gives us a bit of feedback then to know why the client's coming to us, what their needs are, and if we can help them further so.
"It's not just about a tick in a box, it's about finding more out about that person, so they need to get a voucher if possible. If not, and it's their first time for coming, please don't stay away. Just come and we will assist you and make a plan and show you where to go for a future visit."
What do the Government say?
A Government spokesperson said: "As we fix the foundations of the economy, we're increasing the Living Wage, uprating benefits and supporting 700,000 of the poorest families with children by introducing a Fair Repayment Rate on Universal Credit deductions to help low-income families and make everyone better off."