Challenge poverty week: Food banks call for a better future to end poverty

It aims to raise voices in unison against poverty, end the stigma, change the conversation around poverty, build awareness and support sustainable approaches that enhance the dignity and agency of people in poverty and show what is already being done at community level to challenge and alleviate poverty.

As so many people struggle amid the cost of living crisis Eastbourne Foodbank wants to offer a message of hope.

Jess Holliday, campaigns and communications manager for Eastbourne Foodbank, said: “Foodbanks should not need to exist in 2022, here in one of the wealthiest countries in the world.

“We hold hope that life can and will improve for people living in poverty and, with changes to government policy, less people will need to rely on foodbanks.

“We recently held a day of action and many people in Eastbourne stood with us in these views. Foodbank representatives spoke to members of the public about their current fears and hopes for the future. We all agreed no-one’s income should fall so dangerously low it doesn’t cover the essentials we all need.

“As part of our campaigns work, in partnership with The Trussell Trust, we are calling for a better future and stronger social security system that supports people every day - not just in times of national crisis.

“We are taking this message of hope into school assemblies and churches during Challenge Poverty Week.

“The team at Eastbourne Foodbank will stay optimistic as it works to end the need for foodbanks but, while there is such high demand, we will continue to support people living in poverty with dignity and compassion.”

There are a number of foodbanks and charities across Sussex which aim to help those in need.

FreeShop Crawley is a supermarket providing food, toiletries and baby essentials without any associated costs, it was set up by Claire Johnson and Laura-Jane Wainwright in November 2020 when they saw how Covid-19 was impacting the community.

FreeShop, aims to offer H.O.P.E, Having dignity. Opportunities. Place to call home. Equality and acceptance.

Laura-Jane Wainwright, co-founder and FreeShop manager, said: “We serve many people who are living hand to mouth and every penny is counted. The rise in living costs and energy bills are meaning that people simply can't afford to feed themselves or their families. What needs to happen? Wages need to rise, people should be paid at least the real living wage, funding needs to be available and the shame that is attached to asking for help needs to be abolished, our customers are brave and heros for doing everything they can to provide for their families.”

The Sussex foodbank, which sees more people per 100,000 than any other foodbank in the country, says the cost of living crisis is plunging too many people into poverty and it has seen a huge increase in numbers since it started 11 years ago.

Eastbourne Foodbank is part of the Trussell Trust network and together, with foodbanks across Sussex, they campaign to end the need for foodbanks. They believe in a stronger social security system to ensure everyone has enough money to afford the essentials such as food and toiletries.

Leanne McElhill, 44, has been using Eastbourne Foodbank on and off for more than a year.

She says she tries not to come every week but is finding she runs out of money for food and basic items. Leanne finds her Universal Credit payments do not stretch to afford the essentials and she has been living with friends because she can't afford housing of her own.

Now, with the cost of living crisis and rising rent prices, she feels like her difficult situation is now impossible.

Leanne said: "I feel like I am fighting a losing battle and I have given up hope.

"There are so many holes to jump through and it's a struggle.

"The foodbank is amazing but it shouldn’t be this way. There are so many of us coming - you chat to people here - we all have our problems, we all have a story, but the common theme is that we are all skint."

Together in Sussex says that every nine seconds a person in crisis could need a food parcel this winter.

Figures from the Trussell Trust found that during April 2021 until March 2022 its network distributed more than 2.1million parcels.

Compared to this time five years ago, the need for food banks in its network has increased by 81 per cent.

Joanne Kondabeka, CEO of Chichester District Foodbank, said: "No-one in the UK should find themselves in a situation where they are able to afford the basics of food, heating, housing and clothing. We need a Welfare State that provides a safety net for people when they need it and not one which tips people into hardship.

"No-one should have to attend a foodbank and our vision is we will one day not exist. However, until there is real policy change Chichester District Food bank along with many other food banks across the county are here to provide food and support to help people facing hardship."

For more information, visit FreeShop Crawley

Eastbourne Food bank

Trussell Trust

Chichester District Food bank

Challenge Poverty Week