We’ve provided almost 6,000 emergency food supplies to people facing hunger in the past six months

New figures released today by Wandsworth Foodbank reveal that 5,593 emergency food supplies were provided to people facing hardship across Wandsworth Borough between April 1 and September 30, 2024 – with 3,475 of these going to households with children.

We’ve seen an 8% increase in the number of emergency food parcels distributed in the community compared to the same period last year, and an 85% increase compared to 2019. The need for emergency food in Wandsworth Borough remains consistently high, as more people are struggling to afford the essentials.

We’re sharing these figures as we enters the winter season, which is often the busiest time for food banks. We’re calling on the community to continue to play their part to meet this urgent need by donating, fundraising or campaigning to help end hunger in the UK. We’re so thankful to each person who already gives what they can to help others through our food bank.

If people want to donate, the most needed donations for Wandsworth Foodbank are tinned meat, tinned vegetarian meals, cooking oil (500ml), Christmas chocolates and biscuits, shower gel, laundry tablets and size 7 nappies this winter. Many local supermarkets have Wandsworth Foodbank collection points for donations, and people can find out how and where to donate here.

We’re also continuing to invite special donations towards our Warmer Winter appeal, so we can provide an emergency fuel voucher to people referred in hardship to the food bank who cannot top up their gas and electricity prepayment meters. These vouchers ensure people can have enough credit on their meter to have hot water, cook hot food, and put the heating on a little when it’s cold.

Our food bank team and volunteers offer hope, dignity and relief to local people facing hardship. With your help, we can continue to provide services beyond emergency food, such as advice and support that helps lift people out of financial hardship, which is essential in tackling the root causes of poverty and hardship.

Dan Frith, Wandsworth Foodbank Manager said:

“Local people and families are being referred to Wandsworth Foodbank because their income isn’t covering essential costs. Rising costs of essentials like food and bills, the ongoing impact of physical or mental health conditions, priority debt, and a social security system that is unable to protect people from the most severe forms of hardship, are driving people to our food bank.

 

“The fact that children are especially strongly affected by hunger and hardship is deeply concerning – 62% of all support from Wandsworth Foodbank went to families with children. We need urgent action on hardship and hunger. People are being pushed to the brink because they don’t have enough money to live on. This can’t go on.

 

“That’s why we work locally and as part of Trussell’s national community of food banks for a more just and compassionate society where no one needs a food bank to survive. We’re determined to make this a reality. Until this happens, we provide emergency food and practical support to people in their hardest moments. This is only possible with the help and generosity of our local community, so if you’re able to donate food or money, we would be incredibly grateful as we head into a difficult winter. Thank you.”

One local mother who has needed to use the food bank, said:

“I want to say a huge thank you to everybody who’s donated to Wandsworth Foodbank. It’s made a massive difference to our family with the electricity and the heating. Because I’m a carer for my child and I’m not able to go and work a proper full-time job, we’ve been struggling to make ends meet. Just knowing that help with food and fuel vouchers is there takes a different level of stress off my shoulders. Before I’d be like, okay, we’ve got no electricity, what do we do? Where can we cut back on things even more? Can I go without a meal this evening? It really makes a difference. Thank you.”

Speaking about the need for emergency food in Wandsworth Borough, Emma Revie, Chief Executive of Trussell, said:

“Wandsworth Foodbank was set up to provide short-term support to people struggling to afford the essentials, but it shouldn’t have to exist. Hunger in the UK isn’t a food problem, it’s an income problem.

 

“People are being forced to turn to food banks as a last resort because incomes from work, and social security payments are not covering the cost of the essentials, such as food, bills, and toiletries. This cannot go on and we refuse to stand by while so many of us are pushed to the brink, left without enough money to live on.

 

“Food banks like Wandsworth are a lifeline, offering a warm welcome and space to be heard. They need everyone to play their part to move us towards ending the need for emergency food in the UK. You can help make sure food banks can continue to provide warm, compassionate, practical support and advice this winter by volunteering, donating, fundraising or campaigning to help end hunger in the UK.”

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