Food bank provided more than 260,000 meals in a year

2024 was a year of “grim” milestones for Hackney Foodbank.

In just 12 months the charity provided the equivalent to more than 260,000 meals (that’s more than 41,000 more than the year before).  And this winter they have been supporting an average of 750 people per week.

Jenna Fansa, Head of Fundraising at the food bank, said: “2024 was a year of grim milestones. Most weeks we distributed more than four tonnes of food to people experiencing hardship – that’s much more than £10,000 worth of food per week. Our thanks go to everyone who supported us.

“Demand this winter is 30% higher than it was last year and, with energy prices rising and National Insurance increasing, we’re bracing ourselves for a tough 2025.

“As well as giving emergency food parcels to ensure no-one goes hungry, our team of amazing caseworkers go above and beyond to help people out of poverty – helping with access to grants for heating, furniture and more, referring on to a debt advisor and supporting with housing issues.

“It costs our charity well over a million pounds a year to operate and we depend on the community for support. The very best way to support a food bank is by making regular financial donations because we can often claim Gift Aid and are able to buy wholesale food for much less.”

Hackney Foodbank has six food distribution centres in Stoke Newington, Stamford Hill, Dalston, Hoxton, Haggerston and Hackney as well as the Hackney Giving Van, a mobile food bank which operates five days a week.

The charity, which is based in Homerton, has three full and part time caseworkers.

To set up a monthly donation, visit: Donate — Hackney Foodbank