Cost of living: Andover Foodbank sees 43 percent rise in user numbers

Andover Foodbank has seen a 43 per cent increase in the number of people foodbank support to the same time last year.

While the number of foodbank users had stayed consistent with previous years in the first few months of 2022, from April the number of users have risen dramatically.

This comes as energy prices are beginning to rise amid the highest levels of inflation seen in 40 years.

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The contents of a packed food box Based on the increase that the foodbank has seen, manager Jenny LeLean said “we can only assume that our numbers will continue to climb".

She continued: “We usually see an increase in need from October with the colder weather meaning bills go up.

“This year it will coincide with another increase in gas and electricity prices, and we expect this to push more people into financial insecurity.”

While energy prices are rising for everyone around the country, Jenny said that the foodbank is currently not being affected by the price increases.

She continued: “At the moment, we are not aware of any of our distribution centres needing to close due to increases in prices.

“We will be working closely with them in case this changes.

“The main foodbank site is not expecting to have to change its operations.”

Despite the cost-of-living crisis, Jenny said that members of the public have remained very generous, with the foodbank regularly receiving both food and financial donations.

The contents of a food box The foodbank is also holding additional supermarket collections to help maintain stock levels.

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Jenny said: “We are very grateful for this support as we expect to have a very busy winter.

“We are aware that many people may be finding the current situation difficult and have concerns for future months.

“It is beneficial to seek advice early.

“Please visit our website for links to various support services in the area as well as information on how to get a food box.”

More information about the Andover Foodbank can be found online at andover.foodbank.org.uk.