Supporting our local foodbank during what will be a challenging winter
Winter is often the busiest time for foodbanks, and it will once again be challenging this year as more people struggle to afford even the essentials.
In 2023/24 approximately 3.12 million people used a food bank in the United Kingdom, an increase from 2.98 million when compared with the previous year and triple the number in 2013/14 when it was less than 1 million. This backs up the widely reported fact that foodbanks throughout the UK have never been busier, with many people and families facing great hardship.
Foodbanks need any help that they can get with the Independent Food Aid Network (IFAN) February 2024 survey showing that 77% of foodbanks who responded reported an increase in the number of people seeking regular support, and 98% of foodbanks reported that they were supporting people who had not asked for help before.
Foodbanks provide an essential service to help those most in need in our communities, but they too are struggling. Foodbank networks have reported increased demand and falling food donations.
In 2022 Tony Kirk, from the Institute, got in touch with Footprints in the Community to see how we can help, and they let him know that they welcome any help, particularly as they are very short of some critical food items. Since then the Materials Processing Institute and the community of businesses on its Teesside campus have been supporting “Footprints in the Community”, https://footprintsinthecommunity.co.uk/redcar-area-foodbank/ , who run several foodbanks in the area, including one which serves Grangetown and South Bank.
A donations collection box is now in the Reception at the Institute for staff and campus businesses to make donations. Since 2022 we have continued to support our local foodbank with regular donations.
Terry Walsh, Materials Processing Institute CEO commented: “Winter is fast approaching and this time of year will be challenging for foodbanks. Supporting our local foodbank has highlighted the critical need for donations as well as the fantastic work that the volunteers do, so thank you to all volunteers at foodbanks in our region and across the country for the compassion you show to those in most need.”
6 November 2024
