“Nobody in Sheffield should have to face going hungry:" Foodbank aiming to raise £40,000 for 'ongoing food crisis'

The Star reported that the Trussell Trust food bank, which is run by St Thomas’ Church, saw the numbers using its services spiral when the pandemic hit seven months ago - now feeding an average of around 750 people per week, quadruple its usual volume.

Now, with the ‘ongoing food crisis’ becoming an increasing issue for many across Sheffield, the foodbank has started a fundraiser with a target of £40,000.

The charity will benefit from match-funding from the government through the Love Your Neighbour partnership, meaning every £1 donated to the foodbank via the fundraiser is matched up to £40,000.

S6 Foodbank manager manager Chris Hardy said: “Sadly, we are expecting the increased need to continue for the foreseeable future, as more people experience difficulty as a result of coronavirus and its wider consequences.

"We still firmly believe that nobody in Sheffield should have to face going hungry. That's why we are asking you to continue supporting us throughout 2020 and into 2021.”

More people than ever are relying on foodbanks across the UK, with the Trussell Trust announcing that they handed out 1.9 million three-day emergency food supplies to people in crisis between March 2019 and March 2020.

Now, due to the coronavirus pandemic, it is increasing at a rate more than ever before.

In a call to the government to offer vital support, Trussell Trust policy and public affairs manager, Rory Weal, said: “Food banks in the Trussell Trust network are seeing first-hand the impact the crisis is having on people in this position.

"Unfortunately, without further action it is set to get worse before it gets better.

"Last month we published projections which forecast there will be a 61% rise in need for food banks over the winter compared to the same period last year.

"Based on an initial assessment by Heriot-Watt University, the latest steps announced by the Chancellor are not enough to alter this forecast.

"This leaves food banks in the Trussell Trust network faced with the huge task of giving out six food parcels every minute over the winter.”

The S6 Foodbank added on its fundraising page: “Prior to the coronavirus crisis our busiest week was in December 2019, where we supported 117 individuals and families across four foodbanks.

"In one week of April 2020, just one of our seven foodbanks supported 126 individuals and families.

"This increase in need means if we had to buy all of our food, our weekly food bill would be £8,000, not to mention staffing, transport and equipment.

“Sometimes the numbers involved can seem daunting so well make it simple - £27 provides food and basic essentials for a family of three for three days. We are hoping to encourage 1000 people to each raise £40 to reach our £40,000 target, which will be match funded.

“Thank you so much for all your support, love and encouragement - we think you are all amazing.”

To donate to the S6 Foodbank campaign, visit www.justgiving.com/campaign/40for40.