Nearly 550 local households helped in busiest December on record

During December, Wandsworth Foodbank supported 539 individual local households who were facing hardship, welcoming them at our six welcome centres across the borough or via our home delivery provision.

We provided more than 1,400 emergency food parcels, and 66% parcels went to households with children. We fulfilled more emergency referrals this December than any previous December in our history, as financial pressures on low income households continue.

The three key reasons why local people and families were referred in hardship during December were: the impact of rising cost of essentials (49% referrals), the ongoing impact of physical or mental health condition, and priority debt. Many people we support are experiencing a combination of all three.

Christmas is an especially hard time to need to use a food bank, and so we were incredibly grateful for the generosity of our supporters who made sure that everyone who needed help was able to receive it.

People’s generosity meant essential food supplies and toiletries for everyone who needed it, plus fresh fruit, vegetables and eggs, Christmas Advent calendars and chocolates, and a one-off supermarket gift card so people could choose and buy what they and their family most needed. There were often tears of relief from guests, revealing the pressure many local people are dealing with every day, just to get by.

However, with the winter continuing to be busy at the food bank – especially with this week’s freezing temperatures squeezing tight households budgets further – we continue to need people’s support.

Whether you can give financially or by donating food and essentials, you will be helping local people and families at some of the toughest times of their lives. Thank you.

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