Cambridge City Foodbank has received a record number of registrations for its annual Christmas Winter Hamper appeal.
Despite spiralling energy bills and rising food costs, members of the public and businesses across Cambridge have pledged to donate more than 750 hampers, smashing the previous record by over 100 pledges.
The hampers will be filled with festive treats, as well as essential food and hygiene items.
Cambridge City Foodbank recently reported record demand between April and September 2022, with the Foodbank providing food support for almost 7,000 people.
As the colder months draw in and demand continues to rise, the hampers will provide extra special support for the most vulnerable individuals across the city over the festive period.
Margaret Saner, CEO of Cambridge City Foodbank, said: “Winter, and in particular, Christmas, can be a financially difficult time for many.
“We are so thankful to every individual and organisation that has pledged to support our hamper appeal this year. Smashing the record for pledges in the current climate really is an amazing feat, and a testament to the outstanding generosity of the people of Cambridge.”
In addition to the Christmas hampers, Cambridge City Foodbank has again partnered with Cambridge Sustainable Food and Cambridge City Council to provide families with fresh fruit and vegetables, as well as a toy or a game.
While the target has been reached for hamper pledges, further toy and game donations are still required. If you wish to contribute to the appeal, you can do so here: https://www.cambridge.gov.uk/christmas-gifts-for-vulnerable-families
Cambridge City Foodbank has experienced its busiest year on record, and donations of food and additional volunteers are always needed.
Find out details of how you can support the foodbank here: https://cambridgecity.foodbank.org.uk/
About Cambridge City Foodbank
Cambridge City Foodbank is part of a nationwide network of foodbanks, supported by The Trussell Trust, working to combat poverty and hunger across the UK.
The Foodbank was founded in 2010 by local churches and community groups looking to address the issues of food poverty in the city.
The Foodbank has a range of sites across Cambridge where clients, who are referred to its services in crisis, can access emergency support and food.
As a well-established charity, it is instrumental in the development of long-term and sustainable strategies for addressing poverty in Cambridge by providing nutritionally balanced emergency food and support to local people.
Cambridge City Foodbank also runs a fuel support scheme that aims to address fuel poverty.
