Southend Foodbank has provided a staggering 18,854 emergency food parcels to individuals and families facing hunger in the past 12 months, according to new figures released today.
Out of these, a startling 7,000 parcels were given to children, highlighting the dire need for assistance in the Southend City and Rochford area. The Foodbank has had to spend £145,000 on topping up food donations in order to meet the high demand.
These alarming numbers come as anti-poverty charity Trussell reports that 2,885,086 food parcels were distributed across the UK in the same time period. Trussell is calling on the UK government to take action and strengthen the social security system in order to prevent more people from relying on food banks.
While there has been a slight decrease of 8% in the number of parcels distributed by Southend Foodbank compared to last year, the overall trend has seen a 188% increase in the past five years. This indicates a persistent level of need in the community, despite the efforts of the Foodbank and other organizations.
Cass Francis, Comms & Campaigns Coordinator at Southend Foodbank, expressed concern over the ongoing financial insecurity in the area, saying, “While these new figures seem like a moment of good news, with a small decrease in the amount of food parcels we’ve given out, they are still indicative of the continuing high level of financial insecurity in Southend and Rochford that bring people to the doors of our food bank.”
In response to the growing need, Southend Foodbank has implemented initiatives such as having Citizens Advice Advisors present during distribution sessions to help individuals maximize the support they receive. However, the Foodbank has had to rely on purchasing provisions in order to keep up with demand, spending over £145,000 in the past year alone.
Southend Foodbank is a member of the Trussell community of food banks, which has also reported persistently high levels of need in the past 12 months. Trussell’s chief executive, Emma Revie, called on the government to take action, saying, “Far too many children, families, disabled people, working people, and elderly people from across Southend needed to access food banks for emergency food in the past year. This should be a wake-up call to government and a stark reminder of their responsibilities to the people of Southend.”
In light of these staggering figures, Southend Foodbank is urging the community to come together and help end the need for emergency food in the UK. Donations of food or funds can be made at southend.foodbank.org.uk.
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.