SHOCKING statistics reveal 2,189 people were handed three-day emergency food parcels from Droitwich Spa Foodbank between April last year and March this year.
And more worryingly, 833 of them went to children.
The Droitwich Spa Foodbank, which has seen a 33 per cent increase on the same period last year, is backing calls from the Trussell Trust to ensure the benefits system is able to protect people from poverty.
The Trust has also reported a record increase in foodbank use across the UK.
The charity believes the local increase is due to people struggling with continued benefit payment issues, including with Universal Credit where there is sometimes a five-week wait, insecure work and a lack or reduction in available local government support.
Dave Adams, Droitwich Spa Foodbank manager, said: “No one in Droitwich Spa and the surrounding area should need a food bank’s help and we want to see an end to local people needing emergency food at all.
“It doesn’t have to be this way – our benefits system is supposed to protect us all from being swept into poverty.
“Universal Credit should be part of the solution but currently the five week wait is leaving many without enough money to cover the basics. This isn’t right.
“Until we reach a future where food banks are no longer needed, we’ll continue to provide vital support when it matters most.
“We’re dedicated to ensuring that people in our community without enough money for food are able to access emergency support.”
And he thanked residents from across Droitwich for supporting the scheme.
“Our vital work in the community has only been possible in the last year because of the incredible generosity shown by local people in donating food, time and funds.”
Cash is also needed to cover running costs, including rent of the foodbank and insurances.
Any businesses, organisations or individuals who can help should visit droitwichspa.foodbank.org.uk to find out more.
