BOURNEMOUTH Foodbank has helped thousands of families across the county when needed most, supplying basic necessities from essential food to toiletry products.
The food bank is part of the Trussell Trust network and provides emergency food parcels to individuals and families facing hardship in the Bournemouth area.
The Trussell Trust supports a nationwide network of over 1,400 food banks, providing emergency food and support to people in crisis in a bid to end the hunger and poverty crisis in the UK.
Over the past year, Bournemouth Foodbank provided emergency food parcels to 13,040 individuals, a 4.3% increase from the previous year of which 3,384 were children.
This represents a 79.7% increase compared to 5 years ago.
In 2023/2024, Bournemouth Foodbank provided 7,223 parcels to people in the community, 4% more than the previous year, making up to more than 115,000 meals, of which almost 30,000 were for children.
Martin Hancock, Bournemouth Foodbank’s newly appointed CEO, stated: “The increasing demand at Bournemouth Foodbank highlights the urgent need for community support.
“We urge everyone to help by donating food, giving financially, and volunteering. Your support is crucial in ensuring that no one in Bournemouth goes without essentials.”
“Our work wouldn't be possible without the dedication of our staff, volunteers, donors, and community partners.
“Their commitment ensures we can provide essential support to those in need, making a real difference in the lives of thousands in Bournemouth.”
Emma Revie, chief executive at the Trussell Trust, highlighted the severity of the situation in the whole of the UK: “It’s 2024, and we’re facing historically high levels of food bank need.
“We must not let food banks become the new norm.
“As we approach the next UK general election, political leaders must outline how they will build a future where no one needs a food bank to survive.
“Voters want change, and we need cross-government action to deliver it.”
Bournemouth Foodbank has also hosted many free food events during school and bank holidays to help out with the food crisis.
As well as supplying food, the foodbank also offers various programmes to help individuals manage their finances, find employment, and receive debt advice.
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