Horsham foodbank use soars by more than 80 per cent

Horsham foodbank has handed out more than 80 per cent more food compared to the same period last year.
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In April 2020, Horsham District Foodbank provided 176 emergency food parcels, an increase of 81 per cent on the same period in 2019.

Of the parcels, 115 went to children.

A spokesman for the charity said: “Horsham District Foodbank believes the local increase is due to people struggling with low income, from benefits or loss of work due to coronavirus and issues with Universal Credit such as the five-week wait, and heavy level of deductions.”

Horsham Matters foodbank - St Andrew's Church in Roffey, volunteers at work pictured in 2019. Pic Steve Robards SR1911247 SUS-190430-145824001Horsham Matters foodbank - St Andrew's Church in Roffey, volunteers at work pictured in 2019. Pic Steve Robards SR1911247 SUS-190430-145824001
Horsham Matters foodbank - St Andrew's Church in Roffey, volunteers at work pictured in 2019. Pic Steve Robards SR1911247 SUS-190430-145824001
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The food bank relies on the support of people across Horsham District and is urging people to consider donating food or funds.

He added: “The food bank is particularly in need of sponge puddings, tinned potatoes, tinned meat and instant mash potato. These can be dropped off outside Micah House, Blatchford Road, Horsham RH13 5QR, Monday to Friday before 4pm.”

Emma Elnaugh, foodbank manager of Horsham District Foodbank said: “We’re dedicated to ensuring that people in Horsham District without enough money for food are able to access emergency support.

“We’ve been making big changes to our work to ensure we can continue to offer people who can’t afford essentials the emergency help that is needed as safely as possible.

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“But ultimately, no one in Horsham District should need to use a food bank – 176 emergency food parcels to local people is 176 emergency food parcels too many. This isn’t right and cannot continue.

“Our vital work in the community has only been possible in the last few months because of the incredible generosity shown by local people in donating food, time and funds. To everyone that has donated - thank you.”

Horsham District Foodbank is a member of the Trussell Trust’s network.

The Trussell Trust, as part of a coalition of anti-poverty charities, is calling for the UK government to put a Coronavirus Emergency Income Support Scheme in place to ensure people can access the support they need to avoid them being swept into destitution.

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Chief executive of the Trussell Trust Emma Revie says: “We have been seeing rises in food bank need across the UK for the past five years, but our latest national figures show that in April food banks in our network reported a soaring 89 per cent increase in need - with the number of families coming to food banks doubling. This is completely unprecedented and not right.

People need to be able to put food on their table. The government must put urgent support in place to ensure people already struggling to keep their heads above water can stay afloat.

“We have outlined what we need our government to do - it’s in our power to protect one another, we’ve seen it during this health crisis, and we need it to continue during this economic one.”

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