Food poverty continues to be a growing emergency in our country. Between April and September 2022, the number of food parcels distributed by food banks in the Trussell Trust’s UK-wide network increased by 52% from the same period in 2019! Across the past year, the number of individuals in our community using The Hollingdean Foodbank has grown by 269%! Most people who use our Foodbank do so because of low income, caused by low/unreliable wages, a patchy social security system, benefit sanctions and/or debt making it difficult to cover rising living costs. It is now not unusual for households in which someone is employed to need foodbanks; one in five people referred to a Trussell Trust food bank are in this situation.

Our Foodbank provides emergency food parcels to those in need. In addition, at our Community Café advisors from a growing range of local charities offer free advice in areas including debt and benefits, mental health, and energy. This helps individuals receive relevant support with the goal to reduce their need for ongoing food parcels. The Cafe also provides a relaxed and welcoming environment where community members can connect with each other, and for our team to identify other needs with which we may be able to help either within the Cafe or through our larger community network. As well as advice, this may include opportunities such as volunteering, skills development, or other social activities helping to give confidence, develop skills and connect individuals with others.