Need for Crediton Foodbank in greater than ever

THE story “Need for Foodbank Collection in Crediton is now greater than ever” appeared in the Courier on Friday, November 23, issue 1217.

The annual Foodbank collection, held at Crediton’s Tesco store at Wellparks was held in the “nick of time” as stocks at the Foodbank had become very low again even though an emergency collection had been held in the summer.

Figures from Crediton Foodbank, which relies of the generosity of the community, shows that the need for the collection is now greater than ever.

The number of food parcels given out by the Foodbank between January and August of this year had doubled compared to the same period in 2017.

It is not only the number of people using the Foodbank that has increased but also the length of time families are having to take donations.

Nearly 50 per cent of families are taking more than three food parcels and a third are taking more than five.

The reasons for this increase appears to be a consequence of low incomes for households and it is feared that the current situation will become worse as heating and electricity costs increase with the colder weather and darker evenings.

The team at Crediton Foodbank do an amazing job but do you think more should be done to reduce the need for Foodbanks?

What you told us ...

It is so sad to see families in extreme need - often through no fault of their own. At Tesco we work with Crediton Foodbank all-year-round - they are a brilliant organisation.

Andrew Drayton, Crediton Tesco

My granddaughter lives in South Devon with her two children and sometimes has to use the Foodbank. If it wasn’t for the Foodbank she and her children would, at times, have gone without food.

Crediton Resident

I think they do a wonderful job and the staff are always friendly and helpful, but I do think there are some people who take advantage and use it when they don’t need to.

Linda Savage-Jones, Crediton

I always try to support anything like the Foodbank. I think it’s a good thing.

Crediton Resident