New figures, released today (Monday) by Isle of Wight Foodbank, have revealed that 2,635 emergency food parcels were provided to people across the Isle of Wight in the last year – with 1,152 of these going to children.
Between April and September 2022 the Isle of Wight Foodbank distributed more food parcels than in the same period last year and anticipate that this rise in need will continue as they prepare for what they expect to be the toughest winter yet.
Lewis: Every food item or penny you give us makes a big difference
Kay Lewis, food bank manager at the Isle of Wight Foodbank said,
“We are all aware of the fuel crisis and inflation, now with the impending tax rise that will add even more strain on everyone. We anticipate an increase in people needing to use the foodbank over this coming winter and have seen a rise in working people attending the foodbank cafes.
“We are so grateful for the generosity of the Island residents in their food and financial donation, but we have seen a decrease in donations which we expected due to everyone being more conscious of how they spend their money and the increase in the cost of food.
“We ask for your continued support over the winter months however big or small, every food item or penny you give us makes a big difference and we are eternally grateful.”
Part of the Trussell Trust’s network
The Isle of Wight Foodbank is part of the Trussell Trust’s network, which reports record levels of need in the last six months, with more than 1.3 million emergency food parcels given to people struggling to afford essentials between April 2022 and September 2022.
Almost half a million of these parcels went to children.
Food banks are at ‘breaking point’
The charity has warned that food banks are at ‘breaking point’, both physically and mentally, and are set to face the hardest winter yet as they expect to provide more than 7,000 emergency food parcels a day on average in the next six months.
Furthermore, research recently published by the Trussell Trust revealed that during August 2022, more than two million people had skipped meals across the previous three months to keep up with essential costs.
In addition, 38 per cent of people said they’d gone a whole day with no food at all or just one meal, in the last month, because they couldn’t afford to buy enough food.
Revie: Calling for the Prime Minister to act decisively in next week’s budget
Emma Revie, chief executive at the Trussell Trust, said:
“These new statistics show that, even in summer months, people are struggling to afford the essentials and we are expecting that this winter will be the hardest yet for food banks and the people they support. This is not right.
“We know that with the right support and a stable and sufficient income, people don’t need to turn to food banks for support. Over the last few years, the government has acted to protect people who are struggling, and this action had made a difference. They must now act again: with swift support now to help people through the winter, and with vision for the longer-term to ensure that social security is always enough to weather challenging times.
“We are calling for the Prime Minister to act decisively in next week’s budget. We urge the UK government to realise their commitment of supporting people on the lowest income with a broad package of support. As well as ensuring that benefits rise with inflation as soon as possible, this must go further to close the gap between price rises and incomes over the winter.”
If you are in a position to donate, you can support the Trussell Trust’s Emergency Appeal Fund now by donating vital funds to help the charity supporting food banks this winter.
To donate locally, please visit Isle of Wight Foodbank’s Website.
News shared by Hannah on behalf of Isle of Wight Foodbank. Ed
