Devizes Foodbank was able to provide emergency food and seasonal treats to hundreds of local people facing hunger in the lead up to Christmas thanks to generous support across Devizes and the Kennet area.
Liz Starling, Foodbank Manager at Devizes Foodbank said:
“We hope that one day there will be no need for a foodbank in Devizes but whilst our help is needed we will ensure people referred receive a non-judgmental welcome, space to be heard and the best support possible. We couldn’t keep the foodbank’s doors open without local people as we rely on donations to make sure everyone receives a nutritionally balanced parcel of emergency food.
“Thank you so much to everyone who has donated food, money or time to offer some help and hope to people when it is most needed. We have seen an incredible response from people across Devizes and the Kennet area over the last month and are so grateful for, and humbled by, your generosity.”
The foodbank provided 526 three day emergency food supplies to people in crisis between April and September of last year, 205 of which went to children. Like many other foodbanks in The Trussell Trust’s foodbank network, the charity finds that whilst December is the busiest month of the year, the need for emergency help remains high throughout the cold winter months at the start of the year.*
Mark Ward, Interim Chief Executive at The Trussell Trust said:
“Last month foodbanks met thousands of people who would otherwise have faced going hungry at Christmas. No one should be unable to afford food, at any time of year. As we look ahead to the New Year, against a backdrop of record foodbank referrals, we’re committed to working towards a future where there is no need for foodbanks. Together with our foodbank network, we’ll ensure emergency food and help are available for anyone referred whilst at the same time challenging why people are being thrown into crisis in the first place.”
To make a donation or find out how to help Devizes foodbank, please visit www.devizes.foodbank.org.uk