Mid Norfolk Foodbank has seen its highest increase in the number of emergency food parcels distributed in its 11-year history. Annual figures released show food distributed rose by 52%, with 4,878 mouths fed from April 2022 to April 2023. More than 2,000 of these were to children.
The level of need was particularly acute in winter, December being the busiest month, with 731 emergency food parcels provided by staff and volunteers to householders in and around Dereham, Fakenham and Swaffham.
“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 foodbanks should not need to exist,” says Dave Pearson, founder and chair of trustees.
“Our donors and supporters have, as ever, been faithful in their giving and we thank you for that. The staff and volunteers are working tirelessly to ensure help continues to be available but the current situation is not one we can solve alone.”
“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.”
If you are able to donate food or essential toiletries, please check our website for our most-needed items or you can download the BanktheFood app onto your mobile phone for live updates – https://www.bankthefood.org/downloadapp/
This month’s needs include tinned fruit, teabags, tinned peas, instant mash and long grain rice.
Once again, thank you to all those who supported us last year. We simply cannot run this vital service without you!