Demand for Hackney Foodbank up by average of 70 per cent
Volunteers are a crucial part of the Hackney Foodbank team
Each month Hackney Foodbank distributes around 14 tonnes of food to people in crisis.
That’s the equivalent to 14 Luton vans.
The charity, which launched a decade ago, has six distribution centres across Hackney and around 70 volunteers. On average they provide emergency food parcels for 650 people per week.
Between January and August this year they fed 69 per cent more children than in the same period last year and more than double the number of over 65s. Overall, they provided emergency food parcels for an average of 70 per cent more people and 61 per cent more vouchers were fulfilled for single parents. Yet food donations from the public in that time are down by 23 per cent.
Pat Fitzsimons, CEO of Hackney Foodbank, said: “We are working flat out to provide emergency food, but we need more support. We urgently need to increase food donations if we’re to ensure people in poverty don’t go hungry.
“Many of the people we support are malnourished. The number of people in need has been steadily rising – things are getting worse, not better.
“It’s a sad sign of the times – Universal Credit simply isn’t enough to cover people’s basic needs. Many of the people we support are working but earning a low income; others are unable to work due to illness, age or disability. We need a complete overhaul of the benefits system. Until that happens, we’re dependent on our community to ensure nobody goes hungry.
“With winter on the way, high energy costs and the high cost of living will plunge many more into crisis. We urgently need more donations. The best way people can support us is to donate a monthly amount – that way we can usually claim an extra 25% on donations via Gift Aid.”
So far in 2023, on average Hackney Foodbank has distributed 3,700 kilos of food per week. Some is donated direct from the public, other by corporate supporters like Pip & Nut and some is bought with financial donations to the charity.
The charity has distribution centres in Dalston, Haggerston, Stoke Newington, Upper Clapton and Hoxton.
Since opening in 2012, they have distributed over 864,632kg of food and household items to people in crisis or trapped in poverty in Hackney.
To donate, visit www.hackney.foodbank.org.uk/make-a-donation