- 732 three day emergency food supplies given to local people in crisis by Basildon Foodbank in 2017-18 – over 312 went to children
- Latest statistics published by The Trussell Trust foodbank network show UK-wide foodbank figures are still not decreasing
- Local increase due to people struggling with continued issues with benefit payments; low wages; insecure work
6Over 732 three day emergency food supplies were provided to local people in crisis by Basildon foodbank during 2017-18, a 59.8 % increase compared to 458 in 2016-17. Of this number, 312 went to children. The top three reasons for foodbank referral were: benefit delay 10 %; benefit change 23%; low income 33%.
As well as providing emergency food, Basildon Foodbank provides essentials like washing powder, nappies and sanitary products to families who are struggling, as well as signposting them to other services in the local area.
Over the last year, local people have donated 10,7532 tonnes of food to Basildon Foodbank, and over 18 volunteered. Local schools, businesses and faith groups have provided vital support to the foodbank, enabling us to give three days’ nutritionally balanced food and support to people in crisis
Basildon Foodbank hope to extend our services by partnering with other agencies to provide additional services such as welfare advice, budgeting help and debt support at the foodbank itself, helping people to break out of crisis.
Pastor Victor Oladele, Foodbank Manager of Basildon Foodbank said:
“It is deeply concerning that we are still seeing an increase in the number of three day emergency food supplies provided to local people in crisis in Basildon over the last year.
“Anybody could find themselves in need of the foodbank. Every week people are referred to us after being hit by something unavoidable – such as illness, a delay in a benefit payment or an unexpected bill – means food is simply unaffordable. It really is only with the community’s support that we’re able to provide vital emergency help when it matters most, and we hope that one day there will be no need for us in Basildon. But until that day comes, we will continue to offer the best possible service to help local people facing a crisis. Thank you so much to everyone in Basildon who already donates time, food and money to help local people. If you’re not already involved, we’d love to hear from you!”
Contact:
Pastor Victor Oladele, Basildon Foodbank Manager can be reached on [email protected]