Thank you so much for all your support over the last year. We really appreciate everything you continue to do so we can make the greatest possible difference to people experiencing hardship in Bodmin, Camelford, Padstow, Wadebridge and the surrounding rural areas.
On Wednesday 26 April, we released our End of Year stats. They include shocking new figures which reveal that 4,565 emergency food parcels were provided to local people who couldn’t afford the essentials between April 2022 and March 2023 – 1,831 of these went to children. This is an increase of 37% compared to the previous year. We have distributed over 48 tonnes of food which has provided approx. 2,200 meals per week.
This isn’t right and we know things don’t have to be this way. As we reflect on these extraordinary times together, we want to extend a huge thank you to you for supporting our Foodbanks. We couldn’t do any of this without your donations!
Despite the increased use of our Foodbanks and the opening of a new satellite in Padstow, we have also seen the value of providing our ‘More than Food’ services to anyone in the community. By supporting people with a benefit or grant check using the Turn2Us website means we can identify any unclaimed welfare benefits or funding which will improve their financial situation.
Together, we are united by care and compassion, committed to doing everything we can to support people facing impossible decisions.
And we’re proud to be working alongside food banks in the Trussell Trust network to push for the long-term changes that will mean everyone can lead fulfilled lives, free from financial hardship.
That’s why, together with the Trussell Trust, we are calling for MPs across the UK to support a social security system that guarantees our essentials, by making sure that the basic rate of Universal Credit is at least enough to afford the essentials we all need.
While we do that longer-term work, your support continues to be crucial. This is some feedback we received this week from someone referred to our Foodbank “I would like to mention how much I appreciate everything you gave me earlier today. I can’t believe it. You’re all lovely people to deal with. Thank you so much again.”
As we navigate these challenging times together, your donations make a real difference and every can and every penny is appreciated. Our stocks are getting low and we’re currently in need of; long-life fruit juice, soup, tinned tomatoes, tinned spaghetti, tinned fruit, custard, washing powder and toilet roll.
Thank you for all that you are doing.
Jacqui White, MBE
Foodbank Project Manager