A Norfolk foodbank has seen the need for emergency supplies soar to an all-time high.
New figures released today (April 26) by Mid Norfolk Foodbank have revealed that 4,878 emergency food parcels were provided to people facing hardship across Dereham, Swaffham and Fakenham in the past year – with 2,031 going to children.
Mid-Norfolk Foodbank reported a 52pc increase in the number of emergency food parcels distributed compared to last year - the most parcels it has ever provided.
Dave Pearson, the foodbank’s founder and chair of trustees, said: “Mid Norfolk Foodbank was set up to provide short-term support to people in an emergency.
"We are not a lasting solution to hunger and poverty, and more than three-quarters of the UK population agree with us that food banks should not need to exist.”
The levels of need were particularly acute in winter. December was the busiest month, with 731 emergency food parcels provided by staff and volunteers during this month.
A total of 110 energy vouchers were also given out to support households in fuel poverty, totalling more than £5,000.
“The staff and volunteers at Mid Norfolk Foodbank are working tirelessly to ensure help continues to be available, but the current situation is not one we can solve alone,” Mr Pearson added.
“Our donors and supporters have, as ever, been faithful in their giving and we thank them for that.
"But it’s not difficult to understand why donations have dropped when pound for pound you cannot buy as much for your money.
"And so for the first time in 11 years, we have had to buy in food. Sadly, we do not see this changing any time soon.”
Mid-Norfolk Foodbank is part of the Trussell Trust’s network, which reported record levels of need in the last 12 months with almost three million (2,986,203) emergency food parcels provided to people facing hardship between April 2022 and March 2023.
If you’d like to donate food please visit https://midnorfolk.foodbank.org.uk/give-help/donate-food/
Financial support can be found via its Donate page at https://midnorfolk.foodbank.org.uk/give-help/donate-money/
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