The town’s foodbank has expressed concern about the potential impact of the recent cuts to the winter fuel allowance, particularly as the service faces growing pressure from increased referrals.
This winter, pensioners who are not in receipt of pension credit or other benefits will no longer receive the fuel allowance, which has led to concerns from the foodbank.
“Unfortunately, for those who are already on very low incomes, we fear this cut will impact them,” said Janet Gray, a volunteer with Westbury Area Network, who runs Westbury’s foodbank. “These are worrying times for so many people. The foodbank may need to support more people within the community.”
The typical cost of the average food parcel at the foodbank is £26. In 2023, they prepared 1,450 food parcels; however, the number of food parcels prepared in the first six months of 2024 has increased by 36%.
“They rely so much on generous donations, but due to the pressures on people’s finances in the current climate, they are seeing 25% to 30% less in food donations per month,” said Janet.
Local supermarkets Morrisons and Aldi have collection points for those wishing to donate any items of food, and Morrisons continues to have the food bags already prepared that can be purchased. There are also collection points at All Saints Church, Crosspoint in the Market Place, and Leigh Park Community Centre.
Items needed the most include tinned vegetables (e.g., peas, carrots, sweetcorn, potatoes), tinned baked beans, tinned pasta (e.g., spaghetti hoops), dried pasta, rice, microwaveable pasta and rice, instant noodles and tinned meat and fish.
“The foodbank is extremely grateful to all those who continue to support them,” Janet added. “They would struggle to survive without that ongoing and generous support.”
For more information or to donate, go to westburyareanetwork.org.
