New figures released by Southend Foodbank today have revealed that 19,280 emergency food parcels were distributed to individuals experiencing hardship in Southend City and Rochford within the last year. Of these parcels, 7,440 were provided to children.
While there has been a slight decrease in the number of people in need of emergency food support, the levels still remain 50% higher than two years ago, indicating that the Cost-of-Living crisis is far from over.
The month of December 2024 saw the highest demand for emergency food parcels, with 2,008 distributed by the dedicated staff and volunteers at Southend Foodbank.
Cass Francis, Comms & Campaigns Coordinator at Southend Foodbank commented on the figures, stating, “The level of need we saw in 2024 has remained very high, with our resources, staff, and volunteers being stretched to their limits yet again. While the inflation rate may have slowed down and some benefits increased slightly last April, families on low incomes are still disproportionately spending most of their earnings on essentials such as food, energy, and transportation. When prices rise and incomes don’t keep pace, many are forced to cut back on essentials, including meals, in order to provide for their children.”
Francis also emphasized the importance of community support in ensuring that Southend Foodbank is able to provide aid to those in need. She expressed concern over the rising levels of demand and the impact it has had on their food stock levels, with the foodbank now having to purchase half of the food they distribute. Francis urged those who are able, to consider making regular food donations to support their cause.
In addition to emergency food aid, Southend Foodbank offers a warm welcome and connects those in need to advice and support, reducing the likelihood of them needing to turn to the foodbank in the future. The foodbank also actively campaigns at both local and national levels in an effort to eliminate the need for food banks.
A standard 3-day emergency food parcel typically includes items such as cereal, tinned fruits and vegetables, tinned meat and fish, tea, squash, biscuits, UHT milk, pasta, rice, and more.
For those interested in supporting Southend Foodbank, their website offers information on how to get involved: southend.foodbank.org.uk/support-us.
Some key notes to consider are that Southend Foodbank was established in Southchurch in November 2013 and has since grown to serve Southend and Rochford, with 8 distribution points located throughout the area including Southend, Shoeburyness, Southchurch, Westcliff, Leigh, Eastwood, and Hawkwell.
The foodbank is a part of the Trussell network, which has reported record levels of need, providing over 3.1 million emergency food parcels to individuals facing hardship between April 2023 and March 2024. Of these parcels, 1.1 million were provided to children.
Referrals to the foodbank are made through various agencies and community organizations, including Citizens Advice, SAVS, and SECH. Those in need of a referral can utilize the drop-in service at the Citizens Advice Southend office, located at 1 Church Road, Southend-on-Sea.
This news release was distributed by https://pressat.co.uk/.
