Food bank sees 20% increase in demand for food parcels

VOLUNTEERS at the Westbury Area Network (WAN) food bank say they have seen a 20% increase in the demand for food parcels since last year with the food bank also seeing a fall in food donations in the past six months.

The food bank continues to meet the needs of those in the Westbury and surrounding villages communities who are experiencing difficulties in their lives which require foodbank support.

WAN secretary, Caroline Coker says, “Since late 2022 demand for food support has increased significantly. So far in 2023, the foodbank has seen an almost 20% increase in the number of food parcels provided compared to the equivalent period in 2022. The 2023 average of 12 new referrals from referring organisations each month, is significantly higher than the rate over the previous 18 months.

“In July this year 133 food parcels with a total weight of 1,617kg were provided to families, couples and individuals. Over the last six to nine months there has been a reduction in the volume of donations from our regular donors such as local supermarkets, churches, schools and members of the public. lt is felt this an indication of how the current financial climate is impacting on all of us but is a testament to the generosity of our community that we continue to receive donations.

“Financial donations and grant funding has allowed us to purchase food items; however despite this our stock levels have been low for most of 2023. We have particularly low stocks of basic items such as tinned peas, carrots, meat and baked beans, rice, milk, baby food, healthy treats for children, shampoo and toilet rolls.”

For more information on opening hours and how to get donate items to the food bank, visit www.westburyareanetwork.org/