MORE than 2,000 more food parcels were handed out between April and September in Test Valley compared to the same period in 2021, new figures show. 

The Trussell Trust, which operates the UK’s largest foodbank network, says a “tsunami of need” is gripping the UK as demand has outstripped donations for the first time.

Manager of Andover Foodbank Jenny LeLean said that the local charity has given out 3,486 parcels so far this year, with 1,299 going to children.

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This is a 62 per cent increase compared to the same time in 2021, and a 69 per cent increase compared to 2019.

Jenny said: “Our concern is that these are usually our quietest months.

“We know from experience that a drop in temperature will mean an increase in people needing support, and so far this year has been very mild.

“Colder weather will particularly impact people on prepayment meters, who are often the least able to endure financial shocks. 

“This, on top of the high rate of inflation and increasing interest rates mean that we expect more people to need our help over the coming months.”

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She continued: “To help with increasing need we have been awarded funding from the Test Valley Borough Council Cost of Living Fund to partner with Citizens Advice for a caseworker to be at the foodbank to advise to visiting clients.

“We have also partnered with the Fuel Bank Foundation to issue vouchers for people to top up their prepayment meters.”

The number of parcels handed out nationwide has also soared to more than 1.2m over the same period – a 33 per cent increase on April to September 2021.

Chief executive at the Trussell Trust Emma Revie said this winter is set to be “the hardest yet” for foodbanks and those they support.

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She said: “We know that with the right support and a stable and sufficient income, people don’t need to turn to food banks for support.

"Over the last few years, the Government has acted to protect people who are struggling, and this action has had made a difference.

"They must now act again: with swift support now to help people through the winter, and with vision for the longer-term to ensure that social security is always enough to weather challenging times.”

More about Andover Foodbank can be found on its website: andover.foodbank.org.uk.