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Cirencester Foodbank 2016/17 annual statistics

25th April 2017

New figures show 2,783 emergency food supplies given to local people by Cirencester Foodbank in last year

 

  • 2,783 three day emergency food supplies given to local people in crisis by Cirencester Foodbank in 2016-17 – over 1,000 went to children
  • Latest statistics published by The Trussell Trust foodbank network show UK-wide foodbank figures are still not decreasing

 

Over 2,783 three day emergency food supplies were provided to local people in crisis by Cirencester Foodbank during 2016-17, compared to 1,640 in 2015-16. Of this number, over 1,000 went to children.

Over the last year, local people have donated 20.4 tonnes of food to Cirencester Foodbank, and over 100 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. In 2016-17 Cirencester Foodbank opened an additional Foodbank centre in Tetbury, enabling people to access our support locally, rather than having to travel to Cirencester.

As well as providing emergency food, Cirencester 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 Cirencester 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. Cirencester Foodbank partners with P3 and Citizens Advice, with advisors present at our Foodbank sessions in both Cirencester and Tetbury.

 

Rachel Brindley, Foodbank Manager of Cirencester 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 in Cirencester, Tetbury, Fairford, Lechlade and surrounding villages 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 – meaning 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 in Cirencester. 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 in Cirencester, Tetbury, Fairford, Lechlade & surrounding areas who already donate time, food and money to help local people. If you’re not already involved, we’d love to hear from you!”

 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 insurance. 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 www.cirencester.foodbank.org.uk

Ends

 

Contact:

Rachel Brindley, Foodbank Manager can be reached on [email protected] or 07506 174373.

 

Notes to Editor

Cirencester Foodbank:

  • Cirencester Foodbank has been providing three days emergency food and support to local people since 2012.
  • Between April 2016 and April 2017, 2,783 three day emergency food supplies were provided to people in Cirencester, Tetbury, Lechlade & Fairford by the foodbank. Of this number, more than 1,000 went to children. For UK-wide Trussell Trust foodbank statistics visit https://www.trusselltrust.org/news-and-blog/latest-stats/
  • 20.4 tonnes of food were donated by the local community in 2016-17.
  • Cirencester Foodbank is part of The Trussell Trust network. Trussell Trust foodbanks provide three days’ nutritionally balanced food and support to people in crisis in the UK. We also signpost people to other agencies and services able to help resolve the underlying cause of the crisis.
  • The Trussell Trust is a charity motivated by Christian principles that runs the biggest network of foodbanks in the UK. For more on The Trussell Trust visit www.trusselltrust.org

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