THE story entitled “Crediton Foodbank client has to sit around candle at night for warmth and light” appeared in the Courier on Friday, April 26, issue 1239.

Crediton Foodbank recently sited a food collection box at the Morrisons store in the town.

There is already a food collection box at the Tesco Store at Wellparks which makes a huge difference but can no longer keep up with the huge demand.

Crediton Foodbank co-ordinator and community support worker, Chris Parsons explained: “This year so far, the Foodbank has given out an average of 66 parcels per month feeding an average of 94 adults and 45 children each month.

“This is up 144% on the same period last year.

“People are feeling the impact of the introduction of Universal Credit, where people are having to wait for five weeks with no money coming in. This can be devastating for those with no savings to fall back on. Many of the people using the food bank are working.”

Chris added: “A client spoke to me of how they have no money for electricity and often sit around a candle for warmth and light at night.

“This is not the only story and it is shocking that this is happening in the UK in 2019.”

Do you think it’s acceptable that people have to use food banks in this day and age?

You can contact me at 102 High Street, Crediton EX17 3LF or email: [email protected] .

What you told us …

It definitely should not be happening in 2019 and not in this country. It is hard to think of people not having enough food. It’s a good thing we have a foodbank for people to use. It’s a sad state of affairs.

Anne Logan, Crediton

Well I suppose I’m anti government. My sister was on disability allowance and has lost her money. When people go on to Universal Credit they have no money for five weeks. It’s a stark result of the government’s extreme austerity measures, which hit the poorest hardest. It is hard for people and it shouldn’t have to be like that.

Rachel Backhouse, Bow

We have been really busy this morning, we don’t have any fresh food left and the fridge is empty. Apart from tea, baked beans and soup we are running low on all other food items at Crediton Foodbank.

Lee Bridger, Crediton Foodbank Volunteer

Please remember that there is now also a foodbank collection box at the Crediton Morrisons store as well as at the Tesco store at Wellparks.