Malvern Hills Foodbank

THE number of people using Malvern Hills Foodbank went up last year, an increase which volunteers say may be caused by the introduction of Universal Credit in the area.

In the year ending March 31, 2017, the foodbank registered 598 clients, up from 572 the year before.

However, in the same period, the number of three-day emergency food supplies provided to local people in crisis fell to 1,451, compared to 1,529 the year before.

Universal Credit is an all-in-one benefit system which is being rolled out across the country area by area.

But campaigners say it can have an adverse effect on clients, with waiting times of six or more weeks for a first payment contributing to debt and rent arrears.

Malvern residents have donated over 18,500kg of food and non-food items to the foodbank over the last year, and over 70 have volunteered. Schools, businesses and faith groups are among those who have provided vital support for its work.

Cathy Jackson-Read, chairman of the foodbank trustees, said: "It is deeply concerning that we have seen an increase in the number of clients needing help from the foodbank, particularly single people who appear to have been affected by the longer benefit delays inherent in the Universal Credit system.

"Anybody could find themselves in need of the foodbank. Every week people are referred to us after being hit by something unavoidable – such as illness, a delay in a benefit payment or an unexpected bill – which means food is simply unaffordable.

"It really is only with the community’s support that we’re able to provide vital emergency help when it matters most, and we hope that one day there will be no need for us in Malvern Hills.

"But until that day comes, we will continue to offer the best possible service to help local people facing a crisis. "Thank you so much to everyone in Malvern Hills who already donates time, food and money to help local people. If you’re not already involved, we’d love to hear from you