Foodbanks in the South East are preparing for their most challenging Christmas yet as they struggle with rising demand and dwindling public donations – can you help?
According to a survey by community giving platform Neighbourly, 56 percent of foodbanks, charities and community causes in the South East are worried about having enough food to support people this Christmas.
Neighbourly, partnered with Aldi to distribute surplus food from its stores, polled more than 600 foodbanks and community causes nationwide and found that 90 percent in the South East expect this Christmas to be their busiest yet, with more people than ever needing their support.
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However, the survey also revealed that 76 percent of foodbanks in the region have witnessed a drop in donations in recent months – with the fallout of the pandemic and rising cost of living continuing to impact contributions.
On average, foodbanks in the South East expect to see a 32 percent increase in demand over the next three months, with organisations in the area currently supporting an average of 337 people a week.
More than 70 percent say they’ve already experienced an increase in demand since the summer.
From tinned foods to festive treats and toiletries, the research also revealed a list of the items that are most needed by foodbanks over the festive period to help guide supporters.
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Donate to foodbanks at Aldi
Shoppers can donate food to local charities, food banks and community groups via the community donation points in Aldi stores nationwide.
Mary Dunn, Managing Director of Corporate Responsibility at Aldi UK, said: “Christmas can be a particularly busy time for the local charities and organisations we support, but this year is set to be more challenging than ever.
“As part of our Christmas campaign with Kevin the Carrot and Marcus Radishford, we have committed to donate 1.8 million meals to good causes in the lead-up to Christmas – and we know that our customers in the South East want to help too.
“If you feel you are in a position to help, your donation could make all the difference to food banks this Christmas.”
Steve Butterworth, CEO of Neighbourly, added: “The findings of our latest survey highlight that the continued impact of the pandemic, combined with increased inflation, is being very much felt by communities up and down the country, with charities and local causes feeling the effects too.
“We’d encourage anyone who is able to give back in the coming weeks to do so.”
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Most in-demand foodbank items this Christmas
If you would like to make a donation to the foodbank this Christmas, aim to choose items from the top 15 most in-demand items.
- Tinned food
- Festive treats
- Toiletries
- Tea/coffee
- Biscuits and snacks
- Breakfast cereals
- Juices and soft drinks
- UHT milk
- Laundry and cleaning products
- Dry packaged food
- Rice and pasta
- Gift items
- Cooking sauces
- Children’s toys, crafts and games
- Sanitary items
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