Help Us Tackle Food Poverty in Essex

By Mel Cindil - 23 November 2023

At Beresfords, we are fully committed to helping tackle food poverty in Essex. We launched our Food & Thought Appeal at the start of 2023 to help those that are most in need.

We have been asking our staff and the local community to offer food and thought, by donating an item(s) of non-perishable, tinned or dry food to one of our 17 drop off points across our branch network.

Between April and September 2022, more than 9,000 food parcels were distributed in Essex, of which 3,921 were for children. This is a significant increase from the previous financial year when 14,919 parcels were distributed, including 6,360 for children.

The increasing demand for food parcels in various locations across Essex reflects the ongoing cost of living crisis. Families and individuals are facing desperate situations due to factors like rising fuel bills, soaring food prices, and the overall increase in the cost of living. It is imperative for local communities, organisations, and policymakers to address this pressing issue and work towards ensuring that no one in Essex goes hungry in the face of such adversity.

Food banks in various locations across Essex have reported a startling increase in the number of individuals and families requiring emergency food parcels. The last year, from April 2022 to March 2023, witnessed an unprecedented rise in demand for essential food supplies, illustrating the tough circumstances many people are facing. In this article, we will take a look at the concerning statistics from Chelmsford, Braintree and Colchester food banks, shedding light on the causes and implications of this surge in need.

Chelmsford Food Bank:

- 70% increase in the distribution of emergency food parcels over the past year

- A total of 7,455 provided to those who couldn't afford the essentials. Shockingly, 3,247 of these parcels were meant for children. This unprecedented rise in demand is a cause for concern, reflecting the growing food insecurity within the community.

Braintree Food Bank:

- 66% increase in the number of people seeking food parcels within the past year.

- The winter months, especially January and February 2023, proved to be exceptionally demanding, with 119 more people seeking aid compared to the same period in 2022.

Colchester Food Bank:

- Demand risen by 12 per cent since the Russian invasion of Ukraine and supplies having fallen by the same proportion during this period.

We believe that everybody should have access to a nutritional and balanced diet, so next time you are shopping please spare a thought for someone that could benefit from your kindness.

Find drop off points here: Contact us | Beresfords