More emergency food parcels were given out during 2022 than ever before. Slough Foodbank has seen a 27% increase in the number of food parcels distributed during 2022 versus 2021.
Statistics for the full year 2022, versus 2021
Total number of food parcels: 9,322, a 27% increase
Number of adults: 5,801, a 23% increase
Number of children: 3,521, a 33% increase
Total number of vouchers: 4,183, a 19% increase.
With rising living costs, energy prices at record highs and delays and changes to Universal Credit payments, the demand for Slough Foodbank by people in food poverty crisis continues. It’s a stark reality that year on year the increase in demand continues – it’s not a trend that’s acceptable. People in Slough and the surrounding areas 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 Manager, Laura Cole commented:
“The cost of living emergency has created a ‘tsunami of need’, as people struggle to survive amidst the soaring costs of living. We are noticing more and more clients being referred to us and this now includes many more families – with an increase of 33% in the number of children provided for.
At Slough Foodbank we are extremely well supported by our local community and businesses and the level of food donations has remained high. We have found ourselves purchasing more food than ever before but are so grateful that we have had 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.
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 during 2022. We have around 130 volunteers operating in a variety of roles both in the warehouse, distribution centre, driving and office support. Their dedication and commitment have enabled us to scale up to this increased level of demand.
Whilst we managed to meet demand, 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 2022 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 601 emergency fuel vouchers (an increase of 97%) 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.
If you would like to support Slough Foodbank please visit:
https://slough.foodbank.org.uk/give-help-2/
Notes:
Slough Foodbank has been providing emergency food parcels to people in food poverty crisis since 2010 and the area we support covers from Taplow in the West to Colnbrook in the East, and from Gerrards Cross, The Farnhams and Iver, to Datchet and parts of Windsor. We operate 6 days a week, out of 5 distributions centres in Slough (town centre), Langley, Cippenham, Iver and Britwell.
Our statistics are a measure of volume rather than unique users. The data is collected using an online system recording each food bank voucher and the number of emergency food supplies provided by adult and child.
For example, if a family of three were referred to Slough Foodbank twice in one year, this would count as six food parcels on the system because it would reflect six instances of a supply going to someone in the household. However, if a family of three were only referred to a Slough Foodbank once, this would count as three food parcels.