Tins not Gin, Pads not Pud, Bubbles not Bubbly: Foodbank ad is Stark Reminder this Christmas

Dec. 20, 2023

Demand for the food bank increased by 66% between January and October this year (compared with the same period last year) - with a 95% increase in the number of over 65-year-olds needing emergency food parcels and a 51% increase in demand from single parent households. And it’s the basic essentials that are most in demand - canned food, washing up liquid, sanitary pads.

Jenna Fansa of Hackney Foodbank said:

"The winter brings particular challenges for households in poverty; many people struggle to heat their homes and we’re regularly hearing from people who skip meals because the cupboards are empty. Food prices increased by 28% in the past two years and here in Hackney rents are particularly high.  Our supporters are feeling the pinch too - as demand goes up, donations of food have gone down and our team is working tirelessly to make sure nobody in our community goes hungry."

 

Hackney Foodbank was set up 11 years ago and now has six distribution centres across Hackney. Visitors are referred to the charity by a range of organisations. The food bank typically provides emergency food for around 550 people per week and distributes 14 tonnes of food every month.