Sarah shares this latest news from Isle of Wight Foodbank. Ed
New data published by anti-poverty charity The Trussell Trust reveals that last summer 47% of children who received support from foodbanks in its network were 5-11 years old.
The figures also show that 4,412 more three day emergency food supplies were given to children in July and August 2016 than in the previous two months.
Seek help if you are struggling
The Foodbank is working with local schools and Children’s Centres to help, and urges local families to seek help if they find themselves struggling this summer.
67,506 three day emergency food supplies were provided for children by The Trussell Trust’s foodbank network in July and August 2016 compared to 63,094 in May and June 2016. Between July and August 2016, of all 67, 506 three day emergency food supplies from The Trussell Trust foodbank network that went to children:
- 27% went to 0-4 year olds
- 47% went to 5-11 year olds
- 21% went to 12-16 year olds
- 5% went to children for whom their age was not known
Donations vital more now than ever
Reacting to the new statistics, Isle of Wight Foodbank has urged local families to seek help if they find themselves struggling this summer, and asks local people able to donate to support their work in the community.
Hannah King, Foodbank Manager says:
“Lots of people are just getting by day-to-day but find their income simply won’t stretch to meet the extra pressure of missing free school meals or paying for extra childcare during the holidays. Help is here on the Island.
“The foodbank really is run for the community, by the community; it’s all about helping each other and recognizing that nobody should face going hungry.
“We can only continue to provide this crucial support with the community’s help; we rely on local donations to run the foodbank. An emergency food parcel, cup of tea and a listening ear at the foodbank can have such an impact, so any donations will make a real difference.”
Primary school children helped all year round
The new age insights from The Trussell Trust’s data collection system also reveal the percentage of primary school children helped by foodbanks is consistently high all-year round (46% of all children referred between April 2016 and March 2017 were between 5-11), highlighting the need for support throughout the year, not only in the holidays.
Foodbanks will continue to work all-year round to establish strong working relationships with local agencies to ensure families in need can be referred to the foodbank for emergency food and support.
Samantha Stapley, Operations Manager for England at The Trussell Trust, said:
“Over a third of all the food distributed by foodbanks in our network consistently goes to children, but these new figures show 5 to 11 year-olds are more likely than other children to receive a foodbank’s help. This highlights just how close to crisis many families are living.
“We can all make a difference – checking which food your local foodbank is running low on and donating to make sure emergency food is available when people are referred to help is a simple and effective way to get involved. You could be helping a family that lives on your street.”
Shocking statistics
The Rt. Rev the Lord Bishop of Truro Tim Thornton, said:
“It is shocking to read the statistics and the breakdown provided by The Trussell Trust. That so many primary age children are going without food in our country is of great concern. It is good that so many voluntary organisations, the vast majority of which are based on churches are working to provide help for families during the summer holidays.
“It is very good that the community wants to help and work with those less fortunate and that is a key part of the gospel values. It is however also important that we keep trying to understand the deeper reasons why this situation is as it is.”
