This campaign has now closed
We support people with emergency food, access to professional advice and are extending a Fuel Bank trial. However, we have outgrown our facilities and face a shortfall. Foodbank users have higher rates of debt, destitution and disability, and our catchment area falls in the top 10% most deprived.
Categories
Beneficiaries
Situation
Foodbank need is increasing. In Southend we gave out 42% more food parcels in 21/22 than 19/20; the national average was +14%. We have outgrown our facilities and need to renovate our space to manage 95 tonnes of food in a year, and make and distribute 205 food parcels each week (Jan-May '22 averages; winter peak of 352 parcels, including 182 children). With the cost-of-living rising, donations are falling. We face a shortfall. Foodbank users are increasingly struggling with fuel bills and debt.
Solution
We give emergency food parcels to meet the immediate need of people not having enough to eat today. We offer access to professional advisors (paid from existing grants) and signposting for further help getting through a crisis and coping with debt. We are extending access to a Fuel Bank, to help the most vulnerable with pre-paid meters. We have secured permission and plans to renovate our existing space. We also work to change the circumstances that push people into food poverty.
