Between 1st April 2017 and 31st March 2018, emergency food supplies were provided to 1,427 local people in crisis by NG11 Foodbank, compared to 1,264 people in the previous year. Of this number, 701 were children. Demand for the NG11 Fuel Bank as well as for money management advice and signposting has also increased this year.
The foodbank covers the Nottingham NG11 area which includes Clifton, West Bridgford and the surrounding villages of south Nottinghamshire. It is a member of The Trussell Trust’s network which has today reported a UK-wide increase in foodbank use. Managers of the NG11 Foodbank believe the local increase is due to people struggling with continued issues with benefit payments, the impact of Universal Credit in the area; insecure and low-paid work and the reduction in available local government support.
NG11 Foodbank shares the concerns of other foodbanks in full Universal Credit rollout areas, highlighted today by The Trussell Trust in a new report about the difficulties some people are experiencing. The foodbank has provided emergency food and support to people needing help due to the adverse impact of the initial wait, the lack of available statutory support, the inability of Universal Credit payments to cover the cost of living, and poor administration.
As part of a national network campaigning for change, the foodbank is working hard to offer practical emergency support to help prevent people affected going hungry, whilst simultaneously participating in vital research and raising awareness about the issues local people are facing.
Wendy White, Foodbank Manager of NG11 Foodbank said:
“We don’t want to be here forever. No one in our area should need a foodbank’s help and we want to see an end to local people needing emergency food at all. It doesn’t have to be this way – with a benefits system that catches people before they fall into crisis, and secure work that provides people with enough money to cover the cost of essentials, this is possible. But until that time, we’ll continue to provide vital support when it matters most – we’re dedicated to ensuring that people in our community with no money for food are able to access emergency support, and that has only been possible in the last year because of the incredible generosity shown by local people in donating food, time, and funds. Thank you.”
