In the last year we’ve given out 1,881 three-day emergency food supply packages to local people in crisis. In total 3,862 people were helped, and 1,440 of those were under the age of 16. This represents a 37 per cent increase in the number of emergency food supply packages handed out between April 2016 and March this year, compared to the same period in 2015-16. March 2017 was our busiest month ever with 208 referrals received, a significant increase to March last year when we received 126.
Everyone we give an emergency food parcel to is referred to us by a partner agency and in 2016-2017 the main reasons people were referred us were benefit delay/change, being refused a crisis grant, followed by low income. Other reasons for referrals included delayed wages, domestic violence, sickness, unemployment, debt, refused a short-term benefit advance, homelessness and absence of free school meals during school holidays.
As well as providing emergency food, we provide essentials like washing powder, sanitary products, nappies and toiletries to those who are struggling, as well as signposting them to other services in the local area.
We are deeply concerned that we are still seeing an increase in the number of three-day emergency food supplies provided to local people in crisis in East Lothian over the last year. Anybody could find themselves in need of the foodbank and every week people are referred to us after being hit by something unavoidable – such as illness, a delay in a benefit payment or an unexpected bill – meaning food is simply unaffordable.
It really is only with the community’s support that we’re able to provide help when it matters most. Over the last year, local people have donated 34,209kg of food to East Lothian Foodbank, and over 40 volunteered. In addition, local schools, businesses and faith groups have provided vital support, enabling us to give three days’ nutritionally balanced food and support to people in crisis.
We hope that one day there will be no need for us in East Lothian, but until that day comes, we will continue to offer the best possible service to help local people facing a crisis.
Thank you again to everyone in East Lothian who already donates time, food and money to help us help local people.