The demand for foodbank support in recent months has received a lot of media coverage nationally and our local community has been no exception in seeing a significant increase in demand. Here are the figures for November and December:
November
76 food parcels were distributed.
These provided for 102 adults and 77 children.
89% of these households were referred to us by one of our partner agencies.
December
133 food parcels were distributed, the highest ever monthly number.
These provided for 179 adults and 200 children
91% of these households were referred to us by one of our partner agencies.
In addition, and only if a referring agency requested it, we were able to use funds to help meet household energy costs.
Our ability to respond to this great increase in demand has been much helped by the numerous generous financial donations from individuals and community groups that we have received. We have tried to respond personally to as many as we could but take this opportunity to say thank you to everyone who has donated.
Thank you also to our really hard working and growing team of volunteers. If you would like to join us, please use the link on our website to contact us. https://thamefoodbank.org.uk/volunteer/
Despite the inflationary pressures that everyone is experiencing, we have seen our supermarket and town hall donation points continue to be really well provided. Our special Christmas appeal resulted in a wonderful selection of Christmas food items being given which we were able to include in food parcels during November and December - THANK YOU!
We are anticipating demand to continue at a high level with the post Christmas period often being the most financially challenging for households.
Lastly, the Thame Community Larder that meets at Christchurch on most Thursdays during the year, now has 110 members. This is open to everyone and you will find full details on our website by following this link. https://www.sharinglifetrust.org/community-larder
