Norfolk foodbank seeing "record demand" for help this winter
King's Lynn foodbank are worried that demand may outstrip supply come the end of February
A Norfolk foodbank have told us that they are seeing "record demand" on their services this winter.
They're worried that demand may outstrip supply come the end of February.
It's owing to temperatures likely remaining low, in addition to inflation remaining in double figures. While already squeezed budgets will to be even tighter after Christmas.
"I reckon we will feed about 650 people this month"
Helen Gilbert is the project manager of King's Lynns foodbank:
"In November we feed 36% more people than we did in November, last year. That is despite the Government's Cost of Living payments having come in. We saw a little dip when that came in, then we are back up feeding more than ever. We normally feed just under 400 people a month. I reckon we will feed about 650 people this month".
"We are also helping people with their energy bills, with an energy voucher scheme. The Norfolk assistance scheme run by the county council can help people with their energy bills. But it is a big concern for people at this time, and there are more hubs like this opening up in King's Lynn and beyond".
"We need a tonne of food to feed 100 people"
"We have just done a Tesco food drive over the weekend; we got in three nearly three tonnes of food from that. But we need a tonne of food to feed 100 people, so will get through 6 or 7 tonnes of food this month. So, it's coming in fast but it's also going out fast as well".