‘Between 1 April 2018 and 31 March 2019, the Trussell Trust’s food bank network distributed 1.6 million three-day emergency food supplies to people in crisis, a 19% increase on the previous year. More than half a million of these went to children.’ Source - the Trussell Trust.
Being a Norwich based office, David Pett, Director at MJP Conveyancing was keen to support a local charity by donating food boxes and fundraising.
We spoke to Hannah from the Norwich Food Bank, our Charity of 2019, to find out more:
Who uses foodbanks in 21st century?
We see a wide variety of people coming to the foodbank in need; there is no such thing as a 'typical' foodbank user. Some are on benefits, some are suffering with ill health, some are in low paid jobs and a bill has tipped them into a financially difficult position. Last week I met a single mum who went from part time to full time work but due to an emergency tax code, most of her wages were deducted leaving her with very little. This week we helped 2 families who have been rehoused due to domestic violence.
How does hunger affect children?
Norwich foodbank set up FISH - Food (and Fun) In School Holidays - in 2014 to help struggling families in the school holidays. Lots of parents rely on free school meals during term time but when this stops, there isn't any more money in the family budget to buy extra food or spend on entertaining the children and the holidays can feel a long, lonely and difficult time for many. Often, we hear of parents going without to ensure their children are fed.
Have you seen an increase in demand over the last year?
Yes - in the 12 months to the end of May 2019, we provided food parcels to over 10,500 people which is our busiest 12-month period ever. See statistics from the Trussell Trust here
As well as providing the donated goods, what else does Norwich Food Bank offer?
We follow the Trussell Trust model of providing 3-days of nutritionally balanced, non-perishable food items, but at the point of collection from any of our 10 distribution centres, clients are offered toiletries, 'extras' like crisps, crackers, instant noodles etc - extra things that have been donated - baby essentials if needed (milk, food, nappies etc) and pet food if needed. We work with national charity FareShare and local charity Norwich FoodHub as they collect and redistribute food 'waste' which is fresh items (bread, cake, fruit, veg) that is out of date that day but still safe to eat. We pass on these items to complement food parcels at 7 of our centres. 3 of our centres also offer a free hot meal at the same time as the foodbank session which helps to stretch the food parcel a bit further and also provides a lovely welcome and opportunity for our volunteers to chat further about what we can do to help including signposting on to other helpful agencies. In the winter months, we provide support with gas and electricity to ensure the food we are giving can be heated / cooked and the home can also be kept warm.
How can people donate to Norwich Food Bank?
Food and toiletries can be donated at most major supermarkets as they host permanent collection points, or directly to our warehouse in Earlham during our opening hours (Monday, Thursday and Friday 9am - 1pm). Financial support is also appreciated and this can be done online via our website (www.norwichfoodbank.co.uk) and following the links to Local Giving, Virgin Money or PayPal. We are very fortunate with the number of volunteers we have to enable us to do so much, but people can apply to volunteer with us via our website also.