Aylesbury food bank thanks public for incredible generosity over Christmas, but calls on Government for help

In December, 12 tonnes of food were donated in Aylesbury, ensuring that local people in crisis, unable to afford the basics, didn’t go hungry.

Like many other food banks in the Trussell Trust’s network, the charity finds that whilst December is the busiest month of the year, the need for emergency help remains high throughout the year.

While the food bank is still well-stocked from December donations, it is asking local people to donate funds to cover essential costs so help can continue to be there for anyone who needs it.

The food bank provided 2167 three day emergency food supplies to people in crisis between April and September last year, 661 of which went to children.

Heather-Joy Garrett, Foodbank Manager at Aylesbury Foodbank said:

“No one in Aylesbury should need a food bank’s help and we want to see an end to local people needing emergency food at all. But in the last year, more and more people needed support so whilst our help is still needed, we will ensure people referred receive a non-judgmental welcome, space to be heard and the best support possible.

“We couldn’t keep the food bank’s doors open without the generosity of local people. Thank you so much to everyone who has donated food, money or time to offer some help and hope to people when it is most needed. We have seen an incredible response from people across Aylesbury in December and are so grateful for, and humbled by, your generosity.”

Aylesbury Foodbank is now backing calls from the Trussell Trust for the new government to match the public’s commitment with urgent policy change, by using the forthcoming Budget on March 11 to ensure that the benefits system can support people who need it by:

1. Ending the five week wait for Universal Credit

2. Ensuring benefit payments cover the cost of living

3. Investing in local emergency support for people in crisis

Emma Revie, chief executive of the Trussell Trust, said:

“Food banks were truly overwhelmed by the level of generosity from the public in the run up to Christmas. These donations show communities and individuals, driven by compassion and justice, are doing what they can to help people facing hunger, but no charity can replace the dignity of having enough money to buy your own food.

“We know this can change. It’s now time for our new Chancellor to do his part in the forthcoming Budget and match these acts of compassion by doing the right thing and putting money back into the pockets of people who most need support.

“It’s in our power as a country to end the need for food banks. To reach that future, we need to make sure everyone has enough money for the essentials. The government’s first priority must be ensuring our benefits system anchors us all from the rising tide of poverty by ending the five week wait for Universal Credit.”

Aylesbury Foodbank is most in need of the following items:

· Toothpaste

· Sponge Puddings

· Tomato Sauce

· Long Life Fruit Juice

· Pasta Sauces

For up-to-date lists of urgently needed food, information about where donations can be left and to contact the food bank about possible collection points, visit www.aylesbury.foodbank.org.uk or search Facebook for ‘Aylesbury Foodbank’.