Slough Foodbank releases statistics for the full year January – December 2021
Slough Foodbank has seen a 54% increase in the number of food parcels distributed in the last two years Jan 2019 – Dec 2021, which illustrates the impact that the pandemic has had on those already struggling.
Today, the statistics for 2021 are published showing 13% more food parcels distributed this year versus last year.
Watch a video summarising the statistics.
Statistics for the full year 2021, versus 2020
Total number of food parcels: 7,365, a 13% increase
Number of adults: 4,708, a 13% increase
Number of children: 2,657, a 12% increase
Total number of vouchers: 3,517, a 16% increase.
Years of austerity, static incomes and cuts creating difficulties for many households even before the added issues that came with Covid-19 have contributed to the need for Slough Foodbank. With rising living costs, energy prices at record highs and inadequate Universal Credit payments, this winter looks deeply uncertain for many. People across the UK are going hungry and skipping meals just so they can pay the bills. This situation needs to change.
We would like to see a future where foodbanks are no longer needed and so we continue to help raise the profile of food poverty and lobby for those who are in need.
Slough Foodbank Communications Officer, Becks Ford commented:
“We are immensely grateful to all of our donors, supporters, stakeholder organisations, volunteers and staff for all the hard work and efforts they have put in to ensure that we were able to remain open throughout the pandemic and have sufficient food to continue to do our role in the community of providing emergency, 3-day non-perishable, nutritionally balanced food parcels to those in food poverty crisis.
However, we continue to see hopelessness as many just do not know what the future might hold and struggle with benefit delays and changes, low income, debt, job losses and homelessness. Sadly, these statistics for 2021 show there is lots for us to do to ensure we can provide food during a time of crisis and continue to help raise the profile of food poverty and lobby for those who are in need.
It is vitally important that we remain committed to supply food, basic toiletries, home fuel and share our hope and encouragement that the community cares.”
Slough Foodbank’s prime function is to supply a three-day emergency food parcel to those who suddenly find themselves in an unexpected crisis. In addition to food, we also supply basic toiletries and household products, as well as nappies, baby wipes and pet food if required.
We also provided 305 emergency fuel vouchers for home gas or electricity for clients who qualify to receive food parcels, and who top up their meter at a pay point or a post office. This is to enable clients to cook the food we provide or heat their homes. The increase in fuel costs means many clients are facing the tough decision of whether to eat or heat their homes.
In addition to providing food, we try, by means of signposting and monitoring and discussions with the supporting referrer to give a helping hand through a crisis and help our clients make a positive move into the future. However, this is not long-term support nor a long-term solution, we need to see the government put a long-term solution in place.
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