New figures show 4149 emergency food supplies given to local people in last year, North Bristol Foodbank reveals
Between 1st April 2017 and 31st March 2018, 4149 three day emergency food supplies were provided to local people in crisis by North Bristol Foodbank, compared to 3740 in the previous year. This is an increase of 11%. Of this number, 1664 went to children.
North Bristol foodbank, a member of The Trussell Trust’s network which has today reported a UK-wide increase foodbank use, believes the local increase is due to people struggling with continued issues with benefit payments and low paid work
As part of a national network campaigning for change, the foodbank is working hard to offer practical emergency support to help prevent people affected going hungry, whilst simultaneously participating in vital research and raising awareness about the issues local people are facing.
Matt Dobson, Foodbank Manager of North Bristol Foodbank said:
“We don’t want to be here forever. No one in North Bristol should need a foodbank’s help and we want to see an end to local people needing emergency food at all. It doesn’t have to be this way – with a benefits system that catches people before they fall into crisis, and secure work that provides people with enough money to cover the cost of essentials, this is possible. But until that time, we’ll continue to provide vital support when it matters most – we’re dedicated to ensuring that people in our community with no money for food are able to access emergency support, and that has only been possible in the last year because of the incredible generosity shown by local people in donating food, time and funds. Thank you.”