The Bognor Regis Foodbank in West Sussex is benefiting from a financial boost from the town’s Rotary club.
Bognor Hotham Rotary has agreed to donate £1,200 over the next year which will be used by the foodbank to supplement food donations with the more basic essentials which enable the operation to run smoothly.
Brian Clarke, press officer with the Bognor club said: “Many people, even locally, are just one unforeseen problem away from not being able to feed themselves or their children.”
Foodbanks work with frontline professionals to identify people in need and issue them with a foodbank voucher.
Many people, even locally, are just one unforeseen problem away from not being able to feed themselves or their children.”
These professionals include local organisations such as children’s centres, housing associations, welfare agencies and community mental health teams who are best placed to assess need.
There are more than 400 foodbanks across the UK supported by The Trussell Trust, a charity which ensures there is someone locally to provide food to those in need.
12,955 tonnes of food were donated to Trussell Trust foodbanks in the 2017/2018 financial year
Nationwide, The Trussell Trust’s foodbank network distributed 1,332,952 three day emergency food supplies to people in crisis, a 13% increase on the previous year.
The Bognor Regis foodbank supported over 2,300 people during that time, an increase of 15% on the previous year, above the Trussell Trust’s national average of 13%.
Bognor Hotham Rotary President, Terry Farndell, presented a first cheque to the foodbank store in the town.
The club has committed to donate £100 a month for 12 months.
Brian Clarke pointed out that many of those who use the foodbank do so because they suddenly find it difficult to feed the family possibly because of a job loss, an unexpected bill, a requirement to find a deposit, a delay in being paid, or some other disaster.
“It is a wonderful service and we are very pleased to help,” he added.
For more information on The Trussell Trust, visit their website.
