For the first time in its 14-year history, Cambridge City Foodbank is supporting more people on a long-term basis. New statistics from the charity show that over 50 percent of its visitors now require more than one emergency food parcel and 33 percent have visited six or more times in the last 12 months.
Historically, food banks have been a resource to support people through a short-term crisis, but Cambridge City Foodbank has seen a drastic rise in the need for its support over the past few years.
From 1 September 2023 to 31 August 2024, the Foodbank issued almost 17,500 food parcels, the equivalent of 171 tonnes. This is an 18% increase from the previous 12 months.
Notably, in January 2024, the Foodbank was 29% busier than in January 2023. Similarly, in April 2024, it experienced a 33% increase in need compared to April 2023.
To combat the rise in need, Cambridge City Foodbank launched a Financial Inclusion Project in June 2023, with local partner, Cambridge and District Citizens Advice to provide its visitors with access to financial specialists who can help them navigate the social security system and access funds that they’re entitled to.
Despite this, the Foodbank is still experiencing an overwhelming need and in tandem has seen a drop in the amount donations it receives.
Steve Clay, Cambridge City Foodbank’s CEO, said: “The increase in need for our support this year has been deeply concerning.
“For the first time ever, we are supporting more people on a long-term basis. Not only is this unfair for the people we support, but it is also completely unsustainable for us.
“Food banks exist to support people through a short-term crisis but because of the challenging financial situation that so many find themselves in, this is no longer the case.
“The number of visitors who need our support is growing and we are now distributing a record number of parcels on a 12-month rolling basis.
“We’re approaching crisis point and without an increase in the levels of donations that we receive, we may soon face a reality in which we are unable to continue to support those in need. If you are able to donate anything, we would be so incredibly grateful.”
If you are interested in supporting Cambridge City Foodbank, visit: https://cambridgecity.foodbank.org.uk/give-help/
About Cambridge City Foodbank
The Cambridge City Foodbank is an independent local charity and member of the Trussell Trust network, working to promote food justice and eradicate food insecurity and hunger across the UK.
The Cambridge City Foodbank was founded in 2010 by local churches and community groups looking to address the issues of food insecurity in the city. The Cambridge City Foodbank has a range of sites across Cambridge where visitors, 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 food justice issues in Cambridge by providing nutritionally balanced emergency food and support to local people.
Cambridge City Foodbank also runs affordable food social supermarkets and a fuel support scheme that aims to address fuel poverty.
