Epping Forest Foodbank see over 400% increase in people needing help in the last five years
Last year they helped 8000 people
Last updated 6th Nov 2025
Epping Forest Foodbank have seen an over 400% increase in people needing their help in the last five years.
They are warning of a "big increase" in people using their services over the winter months, as "people have to choose between heating and eating."
5 years ago, the foodbank supported 1500 people. Last year they helped 8000 people.
They spend £50,000 a year to fill their food parcels, and tell us that everyone will leave with a full parcel.
They have hubs in Debden, Loughton, Epping and Waltham Abbey.
Jacob Forman, Director of Epping Forest Foodbank, said:
"This high level of need in Epping Forest has become normalised, and we really don't want to see and live in a society where mass need for foodbanks has become so normalised.
"We're probably spending around £50,000 a year at the moment on our food.
"Our pledge as an organisation is that every single person that comes to us will get a full parcel of food."
Jacob told us that they are most in need of items like tinned meats, long-life milk and toiletries.
He also said that they are filling a "hugely important" role in society.
"People have always fallen through the cracks and support systems, and recently the cracks have been growing ever wider, so that they are chasms."
He told us that they have also seen an increase in families being referred to the foodbank in school holidays, as a part of their Food In School Holidays scheme.
They have had 150 families referred to them by schools.
"Everything that we do, we are reliant on members of the public to support us and our work.
"What we really need is financial support and hands on the job.
"We have a wonderful team of volunteers as well, but times get really, really busy."
The foodbank takes donations at supermarkets and collection sites, alongside their online website.
A fundraising event is taking place on 6th December, with a night of Northern Soul.