Emergency food bank appeal amid 'devastating rise in need'
The Trussell Trust said it has already used up its reserve stock
Last updated 20th Oct 2022
A food bank charity which supports families across Dorset, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight has said it is struggling to meet a "tsunami" of demand.
The Trussell Trust has launched its first ever emergency appeal for donations because its reserves are dwindling.
Emma Revie, CEO of The Trussell Trust, said: "We never wanted to run an appeal like this, we would rather there was no need for food banks at all.
"But right now, they are on the frontline of this cost of living emergency - we have no other option.
"Faced with the perfect storm of rising energy prices, inflation and a potential recession that is pushing people deeper into poverty, the soaring cost of living is driving a tsunami of need to food banks.
"Through this emergency appeal we hope to raise the vital funds required to ensure that food banks can meet this devastating rise in need and continue to support people who are experiencing hardship."
The trust said food banks are having to purchase three times as much food as they did last year.
It has distributed 46% more emergency food parcels in August and September than at the same time in 2021.
Michelle, who is disabled and lives on her own in Portchester near Fareham, has been forced to use a food bank for the first time.
"I've never had to do it before, so why now? It's all because of what's going on and it's wrong, Michelle said.
"I'm struggling along with millions of others. It's very embarrassing to use a food bank, I don't like doing it, but I have to.
"I can't do anything about, so I will sit there with blankets, not eat as much, not use as much and not go anywhere."