The Trussell Trust, the largest foodbank charity in the UK, recently marked 25 years since the opening of its first foodbank in Salisbury. Founded in 2000 following discussions with a struggling mother, the organization now operates 1,400 locations across the country. Maria Stevenson, who runs the Salisbury foodbank, has integrated Citizens Advice services into the facility to provide financial assistance to visitors, a move she claims has significantly improved the support available to those in need.
While many foodbanks are experiencing increased demand, Salisbury reported a decrease in the number of individuals requiring assistance last year, helping a total of 7,637 people, over a third of whom were children. Stevenson has observed that factors such as the pandemic, changes in the benefit system, and the war in Ukraine have impacted foodbank operations.
Stevenson noted that the collaboration with Citizens Advice has allowed some visitors to achieve financial stability, ultimately reducing their reliance on the foodbank. She calculated a significant return on investment for the service provided by Citizens Advice, suggesting it has been beneficial for the organization’s overall impact.
Mike, a volunteer at the Salisbury foodbank, initially sought help there when he faced difficulties after a change in his rental situation. After receiving support, he managed to secure housing and has since transitioned to part-time work, enabling him to contribute back to the foodbank.
Stevenson emphasized the goal of reducing the need for foodbanks, expressing a desire for people to have sufficient means to purchase their own food. She also acknowledged that working individuals are increasingly seeking support due to rising living costs, highlighting the ongoing issues of financial insecurity faced by many in the community.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy50477w70do?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss