Food bank is hit by soaring need for its services

Rod Munro, co-ordinator of Sleaford New Life Community Larder, said it is an extremely busy time for the charity.

He said: “Demand for our support through the New Life Community Larder has gone through the roof.

“Food parcel demand has increased sevenfold since the middle of March, while coronavirus-related panic buying is having a detrimental impact on the amount of donations coming through to us.

“In the last four weeks, 95 per cent of items that we had in storage have been used up, with a trickle of donations being made. We have also spent over £4,000 on provisions so we can just maintain basic stock levels. We need further support to enable us to meet this growing need.”

Rod said the charity is witnessing more and more new referrals for support, as people have experienced losing their jobs due to the economic strain on large and small businesses either awaiting financial support or missing out on the criteria. The food bank is seeing more people coming to them, some experiencing delays applying for Universal Credit.

He said: “We are aware that people need help across the whole district and we are the only food bank that exists to support this large geographical area.

“We are living in unchartered territory and uncertain times. We have had to ramp up our capability to cope with the spike in demands. Sleaford and surrounding villages have been great in supporting us in the past and no doubt they will continue to support us through this pandemic.”

They have also been tasked with supplying meals for families of children entitled to free school meals who are not currently in school. The local secondary schools have been diverting their funds to support this.

Rod said: “It really is important that we try at least to put a meal on the table. It is frighteningly expensive, when you have kids at home, week after week. Many families are really struggling with reduced income. The reality is people are hurting in the pocket.

“We have also seen many cases of elderly people struggling to cope. One 92-year-old lady came to our attention last Friday afternoon, after it was found she only had bread and was getting by with having toast for breakfast.

“We managed to get some ready made meals for the weekend and put in place regular weekly support to ensure she is not alone.

“This is an issue for many in isolation and scared to come out. Not everyone can access online support or be aware of many supporting networks set up through the Covid-19 pandemic. It really is important to keep an eye out for frail and elderly neighbours whilst maintaining social distancing.”

Rod warned that economic indicators are pointing to the UK being on the brink of recession and they would need to plan for a prolonged crisis.

He appealed for further donations of food or financial support. Details via their Facebook page.