Loveworks Food Bank set to see Busiest Winter Yet

Loveworks run food banks in Reigate, Merstham and surrounding areas that help people in crisis by providing emergency food parcels and also run projects to help support people in moving out of food poverty.

Loveworks, like all other food banks, are facing a challenging winter. They provide emergency food parcels, for up to 6 weeks, in response to referrals from professional agencies and other charities. Parcels contain non-perishable food, essential hygiene items and fresh bread and vegetables when available. Also, for a small number of people they provide ‘utility top-up’s’ to help with power to cook.

The foodbank is already seeing referrals increase in the lead up to Christmas. This is the biggest increase is in Reigate, ever, with many people using a food bank for the first time and people who are visiting have more complex needs than prior to the pandemic. With demand already outstripping supply!

The food banks are seeing the same locally as what the Trussell Trust are saying about the UK as a whole:

• Expecting record levels of use.
• One in five people being referred to a food bank in the Trussell Trust network are from working households. (this is one of the biggest areas of growth we are seeing)
• The Trussell Trust’s State of Hunger research found 95% of people referred to food banks are destitute – meaning they don’t have enough income to buy the essentials that we all need.

The donations from Harvest festivals usually last the food bank into February however this year they are already being depleted. They are also seeing fewer donations of more expensive items such as tinned meat but also items they use to have overstocks of, such as beans and pasta that have increased in price.

“This Christmas our focus is on ensuring we have enough basic items. We are happy to accept food and financial donations to buy food and vouchers for fresh food over Christmas.”

The Loveworks website has a list of how and what you can donate – www.loveworks.org.uk
The warehouse in Redhill is open Mon-Sat 10am-noon for donations www.loveworks.org.uk/food
Please donate and help an RH2 resident in need, today.