By Food banks and charities nationwide struggling during crisis
Food banks and charities across the nation say they are struggling to provide their services effectively because of the Covid-19 crisis.
Following the initial outbreak, food banks reported shortages of basic items because shoppers were stockpiling good. However, they are now experiencing issues related to a shortage of donations, because fewer and fewer people are leaving their homes in order to drop items off.
Many have begun organising collections, but are still saying that they are struggling to access items such as flour, pasta and rice, meaning that their vulnerable recipients are among the hardest hit by the crisis.
Food bank charity The Trussell Trust said it hoped the “generous public” would continue donating.
“We’re working with our network on how best to support people as the situation unfolds,” it said.
Food banks say they are struggling not only because of shortages, but because of the increase in demand from people who are struggling to afford basic necessities because their financial circumstances are so badly damaged by the crisis.
A recent study by Kings College London found that 22% people are already facing significant money problems.
49% of those asked said they now felt more anxious than normal, which is perhaps why it is no surprise that charities such as The Samaritans, and Mind, are now overwhelmed by the demand for support.
Some of the reports we have received include:
Bessacarr FC in Doncaster, who have now opened a food bank for elderly and vulnerable members of the community. They are appealing for urgent donations, as they too have found supplies dwindling due to social distancing measures and panic buying.
Scunthorpe Samaritans have also begun asking the public for donations, having reported that their volunteers are struggling to meet the increased demand, as anxieties surrounding the coronavirus pandemic increase, and people become increasingly concerned about their personal finances.
Organisations such as Lindsey Lodge Hospice in Scunthorpe are also struggling financially, with their fundraising capacities dramatically reduced. They have launched an urgent appeal.
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