20th November 2024
New statistics highlight why we need your help ending hunger in Southend and Rochford this winter
New statistics reveal that Southend Foodbank provided 9,003 emergency food parcels to people facing hardship between April and September 2024, with 3,508 of these parcels going to children.
These figures reflect a 6% decrease in the number of emergency food parcels distributed in the community compared to last year, but it’s difficult to say if there has been an actual drop in hunger and hardship in Southend, because the need for emergency food is still persistently high, as many people are struggling to afford the essentials.
Comms and Campaigns Coordinator Cass Francis said:
Whilst we tentatively welcome any reduction in the amount of people needing to access the foodbank, these figures are still 49% higher than the same period in 2022, so the effects of the record-breaking increase in need we have seen over the past few years is still with us.
Our distribution centres are as busy as they were last year, and more needs to be done to reduce the causes of low incomes for the people of Southend and Rochford.
Together with the other food banks in the Trussell community, we have provided more than 1.4 million emergency food parcels across the UK during this time.
Whilst the need for food banks remains extremely high, your support continues to be hugely valuable and vital so that we can be there for people struggling to afford the essentials.
Your generous support makes an incredible difference. As we strive to meet the need for our services this winter, we would be incredibly grateful if you could:
Donate
- Donate food/toiletries via our permanent collection points.
- Follow our social media channels to see what items are needed most right now.
- Download the BanktheFood app and keep up to date with what we need most as you do your weekly shop.
- Sign up to our monthly Newsletter
Fundraise
- Support Trisha Macauley, one of our fundraisers currently running a Marathon over the course of November to support Southend Foodbank, and make a donation.
- Get in touch if you would like to support by fundraising for us – whether that be through a challenge, event or partnership, or to explore further opportunities by emailing fundraising@southend.foodbank.org.uk
Volunteer
- Volunteer with us to help with upcoming supermarket collection days. For more information about how to get involved is contact: volunteers@southend.foodbank.org.uk
Thank you for standing together with us. Your support means that we can make a transformational difference to people facing hardship today, and pave the way for a more hopeful future where everyone can afford the essentials we all need to live.
When everyone plays their part and takes positive action, together we can turn the tide on hunger.