NEW FIGURES SHOW 1987 EMERGENCY FOOD SUPPLIES GIVEN TO LOCAL PEOPLE BY THE ISLE OF WIGHT FOODBANK IN LAST YEAR… AN INCREASE ON LAST YEAR
- 1987 three day emergency food supplies given to local people in crisis by the Isle of Wight Foodbank in 2016-17 – feeding 4817 people.
- Latest statistics published by The Trussell Trust foodbank network show UK-wide foodbank figures are still not decreasing
- Local increase due to people struggling with low incomes and benefit delays and changes.
Over 1987 three day emergency food supplies were provided to local people in crisis by the Isle of Wight foodbank during 2016-17, compared to 1877 in 2015-16. 1978 children were helped. The top three reasons for foodbank referral were: low income, benefit delays and benefit changes.
Over the last year, local people have donated nearly 56000 tonnes of food to the Isle of Wight Foodbank, and over 200 people volunteered. Local schools, businesses and faith groups have provided vital support to the foodbank, enabling us to give three days’ nutritionally balanced food and support to people in crisis.
As well as providing emergency food, the Isle of Wight Foodbank provides essentials like washing powder, nappies and sanitary products to families who are struggling, as well as signposting them to other services in the local area. Many Trussell Trust foodbanks, including the Isle of Wight Foodbank, are partnering with other agencies to provide additional services such as welfare advice, budgeting help and debt support at the foodbank itself, helping people to break out of crisis.
Hannah King, Manager of Isle of Wight Foodbank said:
“It is deeply concerning that we are still seeing an increase in the number of three day emergency food supplies provided to local people in crisis on the Isle of Wight over the last year. Anybody could find themselves in need of the foodbank. Every week people are referred to us after being hit by something unavoidable – such as illness, a delay in a benefit payment or an unexpected bill – which means food is simply unaffordable. It really is only with the community’s support that we’re able to provide vital emergency help when it matters most, and we hope that one day there will be no need for us on the Isle of Wight. But until that day comes, we will continue to offer the best possible service to help local people facing a crisis. Thank you so much to everyone on the Island who already donates time, food and money to help local people. If you’re not already involved, we’d love to hear from you!”
Foodbank Funding:
Despite generous donations of food, there are many hidden costs to run the foodbank. Costs include warehouse space, to sort and stock donated food, a van to pick up donated food and deliver to distribution centres, and other overheads like utilities and insurances. The foodbank welcomes any new offers of help with funding – local businesses, organisations and individuals interested in supporting the foodbank’s work can find out more at Isle of Wight Foodbank website.
Foodbank Use Continues to Rise Nationally
The Isle of Wight foodbank is part of the National network of Trussell Trust foodbanks. Foodbank use has continued to rise nationally as a new report highlights growing impact of Universal Credit rollout on foodbanks.