Norfolk foodbank say more local children need help this summer
The charity's latest statistics show the number of families needing food and financial help has doubled in the last six months
A Norfolk foodbank says it's seeing an increase in the number of children needing support this summer.
The charity's latest statistics show that the number of families needing food and financial help has doubled in the last six months.
"We’re hearing that all the time that they’re really struggling during term time"
Hannah Worsley is the manager of Norwich foodbank and told us what support helps these families.
She said: “When we do speak to families, and particularly speaking to parents of children, we’re hearing that all the time that they’re really struggling during term time.
“But knowing the children can be fed during school hours and also having breakfast clubs and after school clubs is really supportive in helping them when they’re on a low income.”
She added that signposting people to help is key to ensuring no children go hungry: “Lots of good things are out there, so potentially it would be more advertising, more availability and more awareness raising for families who are in need.
“So, we’re doing our bit with that in the foodbank centres, making sure people know about it and have access to it.”
Foodbanks like Norwich’s offer emergency food and support to local people who are referred and in crisis.
Not only have the numbers of children requiring foodbanks increased, but general numbers of people have, too.
However, Hannah says the majority of these are not returning after one visit, adding: “Almost 70% of people coming to us are only coming once.
“We’re hopeful that that’s because when they come to us, they’ve already been referred, but they then come into our distribution centres and chat with another expert with some advice.
“Getting that help in the right manner and also at the right time means they don’t need to come back to us.”