BOURNEMOUTH Foodbank has reported a 40 per cent decrease in donations compared to February last year as the impacts of rising living costs are felt.

The emergency food charity says it “well understands” why there has been a drop in donations and has called on those less affected by the cost of living rise to help.

In February alone, Bournemouth Foodbank helped feed more than 1,000 people in the area – a 33 per cent increase on the same month in 2021. Donations meanwhile, when compared to last year, dropped steeply by 40.7 per cent.

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Foodbank spokesperson John Saborido told the Echo: “There is of course a big difference, even if we look at January which is usually one of our busiest months there was a big drop.

“It doesn’t matter where you live, foodbanks across the country are being impacted by the increase in living costs, National Insurance rates, and more. It’s a matter of people simply having less disposable income which we well understand.

“We believe people are preparing for the rise in fuel and energy bills so you can imagine why donations are dropping. As the data shows, it also means we’ll see an increase in food bank users for the same reasons so it is very difficult.”

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John also said Bournemouth Foodbank has spent more than £4,000 of its emergency reserve funds over the past month in order to maintain essential supplies for families in need.

He says by doing this they have been able to uphold their determination to “never turn anyone away”.

John added: “It’s always good to have reserves in times like this but we have to keep that stock going. We have not turned anyone away but have had to use our cash reserves to make sure.”

Bournemouth Foodbank is now imploring residents “less impacted” by rising living costs to help support the charity. “Even just one item when you go shopping would be very much appreciated”, said John.

“There are wonderful people with great intentions who give to our food bank who may now find themselves needing to use it. That’s why it’s important we encourage new people to get involved and help.”

Currently, Bournemouth Foodbank is in “desperate need” of dry food goods, such as tinned meat, fish and vegetables, savoury snacks, breakfast biscuits and cereal bars.