News

1522 emergency food supplies given to local people by Ribble Valley Foodbank in last year

30th April 2017

  • New figures show 1522, three day emergency food supplies were given to local people in crisis by Ribble Valley Foodbank in 2016-17. This compares with 1312 in 2015-16.
  • Of this number over 582 went to children.
  • Latest statistics published by The Trussell Trust foodbank network show UK-wide foodbank figures are still not decreasing.
  • The local increase is due to people struggling with issues such as: continued issues with benefit payments; Universal Credit roll out in the area; low wages; insecure work; closure of local charities offering crisis support
  • The top three reasons for foodbank referral were: low income 30%; 25% benefit delays and 15% benefit changes.
  • Over the last year, local people have generously donated food to Ribble Valley Foodbank, and over 70 volunteered. Local schools, businesses and faith groups have provided vital support to the foodbank, enabling us to give three days’ nutritionally balanced food and support to people in crisis.
  • As well as providing emergency food, Ribble Valley Foodbank provides essentials like washing powder, nappies and sanitary products to families who are struggling, as well as signposting them to other services in the local area.
  • Ribble ValleyFoodbank shares the concerns of other Trussell Trust foodbanks in Universal Credit rollout areas about the adverse side effects the new system can have on people. The 6+ week waiting period for a first payment can contribute to debt, mental health issues and rent arrears. The effects of these can last even after people receive their Universal Credit payments, as bills and debts pile up. Ribble Valley Foodbank is working hard to stop local people in this situation going hungry.
Ruth Haldane, Ribble Valley Foodbank Manager said:
 “It is deeply concerning that we are still seeing an increase in the number of three day emergency food supplies provided to local people in crisis in the Ribble Valley over the last year.  Anybody could find themselves in need of the foodbank. 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 – means food is simply unaffordable. It really is only with the community’s support that we’re able to provide vital emergency help when it matters most, and we hope that one day there will be no need for us in the Ribble Valley.  But until that day comes, we will continue to offer the best possible service to help local people facing a crisis. Thank you so much to everyone in the Ribble Valley who already donates time, food and money to help local people.”

Back to News