New figures released by Southend Foodbank today show the extent of the ongoing Cost-of-Living crisis in Southend City and Rochford. In the last year alone, 19,280 emergency food parcels were provided to individuals and families in need, with 7,440 of those going to children.
While there has been a slight decrease in the number of people seeking emergency food assistance, the levels remain 50% higher than they were two years ago, indicating that the crisis is far from over.
The busiest month for the Foodbank was December 2024, with 2,008 emergency food parcels given out by staff and volunteers. This highlights the ongoing demand for support and assistance in the community.
Cass Francis, Comms & Campaigns Coordinator at Southend Foodbank, expressed concern over the high levels of need and the strain it has put on resources, staff, and volunteers. “The inflation rate may have slowed down, and last April saw some benefits being slightly increased, but families on low incomes are still disproportionately spending most of their incomes on essentials, especially food, energy and transport. So, when prices rise and incomes don’t keep pace, many are left cutting back on essentials – missing meals so their children can eat.”
Francis also emphasized the importance of community support in ensuring that Southend Foodbank can continue to help those in need. However, she noted that the rising levels of need have had a significant impact on stock levels, forcing the foodbank to purchase half of the food they distribute. She urged those who are able to consider donating food on a regular basis to support their efforts.
In addition to providing emergency food, Southend Foodbank also offers a warm welcome and connections to advice and support, with the goal of helping individuals and families become more self-sufficient in the future. The foodbank also actively campaigns to end the need for food banks both locally and nationally.
A typical 3-day emergency food parcel from Southend Foodbank includes essential items such as cereal, tinned fruit and vegetables, tinned meat, tea, biscuits, UHT milk, pasta, and rice.
For those interested in supporting Southend Foodbank, visit their website to find out more: southend.foodbank.org.uk/support-us.
Note: Southend Foodbank, which opened in Southchurch in November 2013, has since expanded to cover Southend and Rochford with 8 distribution points spread across the area. It is part of the Trussell network, which reported record levels of need with over 3.1 million emergency food parcels provided to those facing hardship between April 2023 and March 2024, with over 1.1 million of those going to children. Referrals to the foodbank can be made through a variety of agencies and community organizations, including Citizens Advice, SAVS, and SECH. Those in need of a referral can visit the Citizens Advice Southend drop-in service located at 1 Church Road, Southend-on-Sea.
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.