News

Waterloo Foodbank provides 10,000th food parcel

26th April 2018

Waterloo Foodbank has provided food for over 10,000 local people in crisis since it opened in January 2012.

Now open six days a week across three different local churches, the Foodbank has seen a sharp increase in its use over the past year.Between 1st April 2017 and 31st March 2018, Waterloo Foodbank gave out 38.1% more three-day emergency food supplies to people in crisis than the previous year. Of those, more than a third were children. Sadly these figures are even worse than the national picture; the Trussell Trust’s statistics show a 13% increase nationally, and a 20% increase in London.Foodbank manager Rebekah Gibson says: “It is fantastic that we have been able to support so many people over the last six years however we are saddened by the continuing increase in demand for our emergency support. We don’t think that anyone in Waterloo should need to use a Foodbank but until that time we will continue to provide emergency food support to local people in crisis.

“We are thankful for the support of local people, churches and business which enable us to keep running, however our stock levels are struggling to keep up with increased demand.”

Issues with the benefits system continued to be the main reason for people needing the Foodbank, with 36% of people coming because of benefits cuts or delays. The cost of living in London is also still affecting our clients, as 26% said that their main issue was ‘low income’, and we’re also seeing an increase in the number of people (10%) who have no recourse to public funds.

Waterloo Foodbank costs around £22,000 per year to run, which covers everything from shelving and weighing scales to insurance and the Foodbank Manager’s salary; the Foodbank has one part-time employee, and the rest of the work is done by a team of over 50 wonderful volunteers! If you would like to find out more or donate food please email [email protected] or you can donate by text – send BANK14 £5 to 70700 to donate £5.

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