Norwich Foodbank saw a 13% increase in demand last month
With the summer holidays just around the corner, food banks are “bracing themselves” for a busy summer
In June 2023, Norwich food bank saw demand increase significantly with over 1000 people turning to the organisation for support.
A 59% uptake in demand has been seen in the months of January to June compared to the previous 6 months in 2022.
As school pupils across Norfolk break up for the summer, it’s expected parents will need more support with feeding their children than usual.
Hannah Worsley, project manager at Norwich food bank told us
“They’re just about managing during the term time and then with extra pressures on budgets, we do see a lot more need so we are bracing ourselves for this summer.”
When asked who the issue affects most within the community, she said: “About 50% are single adults of various ages” but the issue is still “affecting everybody”.
Despite the cost-of-living crisis, Norwich food bank has found that people are still “incredibly generous” and have not seen a huge difference in the last year’s donations.
However, with the community's needs increasing, demand still outweighs supply.
“If you’re able to support us, please do”, added Ms Worsley. Members of the community can download the ‘Bank the food’ app which is updated weekly with what items the organisation is in need of.
The food bank aims to help clients in more ways than just feeding them, with the FISH project seeing clubs set up across Norwich churches and schools during the summer holidays.
The project eases the pressure on parents by taking their little ones in for the day and providing them with food and activities.
If you would like to make a donation, Norwich shoppers can head down to Morrisons Riverside and Morrisons Old Catton from 17th July and purchase a grab bag.