More families are turning to food banks in Suffolk as demand fails to ease
The Salvation Army in Woodbridge says they're now supporting 70-80 families.
More families in Suffolk are turning to food banks, with demand showing no sign of slowing, three months after the festive period.
The Salvation Army in Woodbridge says it has continued to see new people coming forward for support, at a time when charities would usually expect a drop-off in demand.
Major Alan Hill, who runs the service, said: “Normally after Christmas you get a quiet down period, but that hasn’t happened this year. It’s been new people coming in.”
He said one of the most noticeable changes has been the number of families now needing help. He said they're now supporting around 70-80 families.
The charity provides food parcels and essential items to people struggling to afford basic necessities, and says for many, the support has become a vital lifeline.
“They rely on it,” Major Hill said. “We provide everything, really… apart from heating and lighting.”
Food banks across the UK have reported sustained levels of demand in recent years, with rising living costs continuing to put pressure on household budgets.
Major Hill said he had expected demand to ease following the pandemic, but that has not been the case.
“I thought there would be a light at the end of the tunnel… but more and more and more have started up,” he said.
The Salvation Army says it will continue to support those in need, but the ongoing level of demand highlights the continued financial pressures facing many households across Suffolk.