Southend Foodbank Distributes Over 9,000 Emergency Food Parcels in the Past Six Months
Southend Foodbank, a local charity organization, has released new figures today revealing that they have distributed over 9,000 emergency food parcels to people facing hardship across Southend and Rochford between April 1 and September 30, 2024. This is a slight decrease compared to last year, but still reflects a persistent need for emergency food support in the community.
The food bank has seen a 6% decrease in the number of parcels provided across Southend City and Rochford, with 3,508 of these going to children. However, the organization states that it is difficult to say if there has been an actual drop in hunger and hardship in the area, as many people are still struggling to afford the essentials.
These figures have been released as Southend Foodbank enters the winter season, which is typically the busiest time for food banks. The organization is calling on the public to continue to play their part in meeting this urgent need by volunteering, donating, fundraising, or campaigning to help end hunger in the UK.
Cass Francis, the Communications and Campaigns Coordinator at Southend Foodbank, stated: “Whilst tentatively welcoming any reduction in the number of people needing to access the foodbank, these figures are still 49% higher than the same period in 2022, so the effects of the record-breaking increase in need we have seen over the past few years is still with us.”
She added, “Our distribution centres are as busy as they were last year, and more needs to be done to reduce the causes of low incomes for the people of Southend and Rochford.”
Emma Revie, Chief Executive of Trussell, also spoke about the need for emergency food in Southend, saying: “Southend Foodbank was set up to provide short-term support to people struggling to afford the essentials, but it shouldn’t have to exist. Hunger in the UK isn’t a food problem, it’s an income problem.”
“People are being forced to turn to food banks as a last resort because incomes from work and social security payments are not covering the cost of the essentials, such as food, bills, and toiletries. This cannot go on and we refuse to stand by while so many of us are pushed to the brink, left without enough money to live on.”
Revie continued, “Food banks like Southend are a lifeline, offering a warm welcome and space to be heard. They need everyone to play their part in moving towards ending the need for emergency food in the UK. You can help make sure food banks can continue to provide warm, compassionate, practical support and advice this winter by volunteering, donating, fundraising, or campaigning to help end hunger in the UK.”
Southend Foodbank provides essential services beyond emergency food, such as Financial Inclusion advice and support, to help lift people out of financial hardship and tackle the root causes of poverty. The organization is urging the public to support their efforts in providing hope, dignity, and relief to those facing hardship in the community.
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Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.