Foodbank stock runs low as post-Christmas demand remains high in Bournemouth
A Bournemouth foodbank is appealing for donations after a busy Christmas left supplies running low
A Bournemouth foodbank has issued an urgent appeal for donations after a surge in demand over the Christmas period left its stocks running low.
Hope for Food, a volunteer-led charity supporting people experiencing homelessness or living in poverty, said January and February are consistently its most difficult months, as donations fall sharply while need remains high.
The charity relies entirely on community support to provide food parcels, household essentials and clothing to residents across the town.
Mary Duncan, the charity’s operations manager, said the generosity shown in December often masks the reality that hardship does not disappear once the festive lights are taken down.
She said: “People are very generous at Christmas, but we do see a complete drop-off in donations in January and February which is difficult because the need doesn’t go away.
“The people we support need help with their food every week of the year.”
Hope for Food currently distributes around 150 food parcels each week and supports approximately 500 people through its foodbank and soup kitchen services.
Volunteers also prepare fresh soup, hot meals, sandwiches and cakes, served alongside hot and cold drinks.
Ms Duncan, who has been involved with the charity since 2016, paid tribute to volunteers who gave up their time over the festive period, calling their commitment “incredible”.
She also thanked donors who helped see the charity through Christmas but urged residents not to lose sight of ongoing need.
“My message now is simply, please don’t forget us,” she said. “We’re still here and so are the people who need our help.”