Braintree Area Foodbank has seen an alarming increase of 66% in the number of people requiring food parcels in the last year* highlighting the desperate situations that individuals and families are finding themselves in.
The increase in fuel bills, the overall increase in food prices and the cost of living are clear causes for this rise with low income, with debt and benefit changes and delays contributing largely to some of the most common reasons people in our district need our help.
Lee Ranson, Project Manager for the Foodbank commented ‘A 66% increase in those seeking help from food poverty is not acceptable. We are working tirelessly with local agencies to help those who find themselves in the most desperate situations. Foodbanks should not exist but the fact that they do highlights the inequality facing so many within our society. We are preparing ourselves for the year ahead of us, where we simply cannot predict the demand we may see. We are always hopeful in the work that we do will ensure food security for people in need.’
Mr Ranson continues ‘The commitment and dedication shown by the Foodbank’s staff and volunteers across all areas of the Foodbank has been awe-inspiring. As the Foodbank has seen an increase in visitors, our volunteers have worked additional shifts, stayed open for longer and have met the challenge admirably. Our warehouse staff, delivery drivers, office teams and the centre volunteers have answered every call to help those in food poverty and we can’t thank them enough.’
Braintree Area Foodbank runs on a voucher based system so all those requiring a food parcel must obtain a voucher. If people do find themselves in need of help, full information on how a Foodbank voucher can be obtained by visiting our website under the get help section of our website.