Urgent Call to End Record Food Bank Usage

Cobham Area Foodbank is part of the Trussell Trust’s network, which collectively has reported record levels of hardship in the last 12 months.  Between April 2023 and March 2024, more than 3.1 million emergency food parcels provided to people in need, with more than 1.1 million of these parcels provided for children.

Although inflation may have begun to fall, the number of people lacking essential items remains higher than ever across the UK. This year’s figures show a 4% increase compared to last year, even when inflation was higher.

It’s 2024, and we are still dealing with historically high levels of foodbank usage. This situation cannot be allowed to continue.

Guarantee our Essentials

Alongside food banks across the Trussell Trust network, we’re supporting the Guarantee our Essentials campaign.

Ensuring that the UK’s social security system is fit for purpose is critical and introducing an ‘Essentials Guarantee’ into Universal Credit would ensure everyone has a protected minimum amount of support to afford the necessities of life.

Building a Future without Foodbanks: Essential Actions for the next UK Government

As the next UK general election approaches, it is crucial for all political leaders to outline their plans for a future where no one needs a food bank to survive. A robust social security system is fundamental to eradicating hunger permanently. Additionally, we require more effective employment and financial support for parents, carers, and disabled individuals, along with measures to ensure that everyone can achieve the security necessary for a stable life.

The Trussell Trust has set out the crucial actions the next UK Government must take to ensure everyone has the security of being able to afford the essentials, and we can consign the need for food banks to history, which you can read more about here:

How you can help

Whilst we push for a more just future where no one needs our food bank to get by, your support is crucial so that we can be there for those in our community experiencing hunger and hardship right now.

Your continued generous support makes a big difference. As we navigate meeting the need for our services, we would be incredibly grateful if you could:

• Please donate the following food or toiletries: (list correct as of 31/5/24 please check our updated list here)

Tinned vegetables (not sweetcorn, baked beans or tomatoes please)

UHT fruit juice

UHT semi skimmed or whole milk

Rice (1kg or 500g)

Squash

Tinned meat

Sponge puddings

Tinned potatoes

Tinned custard

Tinned fruit

Shampoo

Conditioner

Dog food (in tins please)

Laundry powder

 

• If you would like to make a financial donation you can do so here

 

Thank you for standing together with us. We recognise how challenging things are right now, which is we are so grateful for your support.

 

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