Crowborough Records 30 Per Cent Rise in Use Of Foodbanks

Use of foodbanks in Crowborough has shot up by almost 30 per cent in a year. A total of 5,013 meals were provided in 2015 compared with 3,618 in the previous year. And there were 557 recipients of handouts – 307 adults and 250 children – which rose from 402 people in 2014.

Although unemployment, illness, debt and homelessness remain drivers for food bank use, benefit cuts and payment delays remain the principle reason. Crowborough Foodbank co-ordinator Freda Robinson said: "There is a perception that Crowborough is a relatively affluent place and it is, but there are also folk who are at the bottom of the pile. The biggest callers to us are those whose benefits have changed or have been delayed.

"There is still a problem around here for those on low incomes. If you are on a low income and something, say, goes wrong with your cooker then you have the choice of fixing it or cutting back on food or heat."

Foodbank users are referred to the centre at the United Church by a number of different agencies which issue red cards for aid to single people, couples, family groups up to four and groups exceeding that number.

The volunteer added: "The need is still there. These figures show the number of families in crisis who need support is not yet decreasing and we will continue to support those in need as long as that need remains."

Such has been the generosity of the people of Crowborough and Rotherfield that the foodbank has even been able to help people outside the immediate community.

The service is part of the Trussell Trust's national network of more than 400 foodbanks. Abby Jitendra, of the Trussell Trust, said: "There are people going hungry in the UK today. We've found the main reasons to be benefit delays or changes, benefits sanctions and low incomes."

Source: Kent & Sussex Courier