Local people donated 49 tonnes of food to Norwood and Brixton Foodbank over the last year, and over 200 volunteered.
According to Jon Taylor, Brixton foodbank centre manager, the top three reasons for foodbank referral are: benefit delay 28%; low income 21%; and, benefit change 11%.
As well as providing emergency food, the foodbank provides essentials like washing powder, nappies and hygiene products to families who are struggling.
Jon says: “It is all too easy when you look at figures to forget the real people behind the statistics.
“Last week, one man visited foodbank who hadn’t eaten in days. He had lost his job after the building construction firm he worked for went bankrupt. He was owed three months’ wages.
“Non-payment of rent resulted in eviction, and his wife and child had to move in with her mother in Leicester.
“He is living in a tent in Stockwell, hungry and missing his family. That’s why the foodbank is so vital.
“We are very grateful for the ongoing support of the community, and hope that one day there will be no need for us in Lambeth, but, until that day comes, we will continue to offer the best possible service to help local people facing a crisis.”
The running costs for the foodbank are around £65,000 a year, and are all raised locally. “The foodbank welcomes any new offers of help with funding – local businesses, organisations and individuals interested in supporting the foodbank’s work can find out more,” says Jon.
