CREDITON Foodbank and Support Hub has described 2025 as a year of necessary change, reflection and renewed focus, following a review of how the charity operates and supports local people.

During 2025, the Foodbank provided more than 2,000 food parcels to people living in Crediton and the surrounding area.

Trustees recognised that the increasing demand for its services would not be sustainable under the existing operational model.

In response, the charity introduced The Pantry, a model designed to improve the experience for those using the service whilst also ensuring its long-term financial security.

Unlike pre-packed crisis parcels, The Pantry allows people to choose the food they need and has been widely welcomed by members.

The charity says this shift has brought added benefits beyond food provision.

It states that members report feeling more in control, better able to budget, and less overwhelmed. Regular access encourages routine and structure, helping households move from crisis management to greater stability.

SUCCESS STORIES

One unexpected insight from the change has been around choice itself. Under the previous system, standard items such as rice pudding and custard were routinely included in parcels.

The Pantry has shown that these items are rarely selected. This has enabled the Foodbank to be more specific in its donation requests, ensuring that contributions better reflect what people actually want and will use.

As a direct result of the Pantry, combined with targeted advice and referrals to other agencies, the number of crisis parcels distributed has fallen, with some members moving on from needing support altogether. In many cases, this has made a lasting difference to members.

Through its Springboard project, the Foodbank has supported individuals to access funding and services they were entitled to but not receiving.

In one case, a single parent with custody of their children was helped to secure the correct Child Benefit payments, enabling them to become financially independent. Another client was referred to Stop for Life and successfully quit smoking, saving enough money per month to no longer require Foodbank support.

The charity has also worked with partners to improve living conditions for local residents.

Support has included referrals to ECOE schemes for energy efficiency improvements such as new windows, and assistance accessing essential white goods including cookers, washing machines and dryers.

Many households have also been signposted to the Household Support Fund. By identifying what is holding someone back and referring them to the right service, the Foodbank aims to address root causes rather than only providing short-term relief.

Coordinator Helen Moores emphasises that food parcels are often a symptom of a deeper issue.

“When someone is in crisis, the information and help they need may already exist, but they can feel too overwhelmed to navigate it,” she said. “Our role is to provide clarity, reduce that sense of overwhelm and help people access the right support at the right time.”

INSIGHTS AND TRENDS

Data from 2025 has highlighted important trends. The Foodbank is seeing an increase in single households seeking support and a growing number of people in part-time and full-time employment whose income does not cover essential costs.

At the same time, there has been a reduction in younger families and older residents accessing the service. The charity is concerned this may not reflect a reduction in need, but rather issues around awareness or stigma.

In recent months, the increase in usage has largely come from households who previously stabilised and no longer required support, but who have returned due to rising living costs, unexpected bills or the familiar challenge of “more month than money”.

PLANS FOR 2026

Looking ahead to 2026, the Crediton Foodbank and Support Hub’s focus will be on ensuring that those who need support know that it is available. Particular attention will be given to reaching younger families and older residents in the community, reducing stigma, and encouraging earlier engagement before financial pressures escalate.

“Our aim is not to grow the Foodbank, but to reduce the need for it,” Helen added. “We want people to move on from us when they are ready. That is a sign that the system is working.”

Anyone who may need support, or who knows someone who might, is encouraged to get in touch in confidence. No referral is required, just call or email: [email protected] or call 07740 202721.