Reverend Elisabeth Lakey representing Brixham Food Bank was one of the guest speakers at Brixham Chamber’s meeting on 19th July.
Elisabeth explained that Brixham’s Food Bank is a charitable organisation run entirely by volunteers which provides food parcels for those in need in Brixham. The number of applicants needing help from the service is up by 39% so far this year.
Now with inflation at a 40-year high, the cost of basic goods spiralling and the school holidays approaching the likelihood is that this demand will increase further. Indeed, across the UK Citizens Advice is now referring almost 700 people a day to food banks – up by around 300 as “staggering numbers” turn to this type of service for help.
Elizabeth confirmed “Demand in Brixham is definitely rising at the moment, and we are seeing more families at the food bank as well as individuals.”
The parcels provided by the Food Bank include enough provisions for three days plus essentials such as toilet paper and other hygiene products. If the food bank has no stock of a particular item, they will buy it in from local stores.
Elisabeth continued “We are totally dependent on donations. A huge thank you must go to all the individuals and organisations who have supported us over the years with items or with cash donations or with their time to help and who continue selflessly to do so. We could not provide this service without their generosity.”
Can you help? The Food Bank are always in need of non-perishable products such as UHT Milk, pasta, tinned meat, fish, sauces, soup and fruit and vegetables plus cereals, toiletries and household essentials. Donations can be left at Tesco, the Coop at the top end of Fore St, the Library, Costcutters at Pillar Avenue and Sainsbury’s on New Road. You can also drop them into the Foodbank when open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 1.30 – 4pm at 14 Brewery Lane next to the Strand Bakery.