More than 1,500 people were helped by Wokingham Foodbank last year, new statistics have revealed.
Around 560 emergency food parcels were given to local people in crisis in 2015/16, providing three days’ worth of nutritionally balanced food to those in need, down from 831 in 2014/15.
Of those referred to the Foodbank in Rose Street, 41% were on a low income, while 21% had issues with benefits. Around 8% were referred to the service because they were struggling with debt problems.
As well as providing emergency food, Wokingham Foodbank provides essentials like washing powder, toilet rolls, nappies and hygiene products to families who are struggling.
More than 17 tonnes of food was donated to the Foodbank last year, and more than 50 people volunteered their time to help sort through donations and make up parcels.
The charity’s winter appeal, ‘Are You Sitting Comfortably?’, was a success in helping struggling families to heat or light their homes through the coldest time of the year.
The service works closely with 80 local agencies who refer families in need of help, and allows the Foodbank to signpost clients to those services which can help them deal with the cause of their food and fuel poverty.
David Atkinson, Wokingham Foodbank manager, said: “It is encouraging that the numbers seeking help from the Wokingham Foodbank were lower last year, but we are still feeding over 10 families a week. That’s a huge number for a wealthy town.
“It is all too easy when you look at figures to forget the real people behind the statistics. Each food parcel represents a family struggling, struggling to cope with a relationship breakdown, with an unexpected bill, with a problem with their benefits or with the high cost of living in Wokingham.
“That’s why the Foodbank is so vital. We are very grateful for the ongoing support of the community, and hope that one day there will be no need for us in Wokingham. But until that day comes, we will continue to offer the best possible service we can to help local people facing a crisis.”
The Foodbank relies on donations to cover its running costs including rent, utilities and insurance, which total around £18,000 per year. The lease on its current venue is due to expire in September so the charity is welcoming offers of help with funding or low-cost premises to allow it to continue with its vital work.
For more information on Wokingham Foodbank, log on to www.wokingham.foodbank.org.uk.
