Food bank fed 159 adults and 111 children through December
FOOD valued at more than £9,500 was distributed by Leek and District Foodbank during December.
Figures released show that the food bank fed 159 adults and 111 children with two emergency food boxes also supplied. This led to 2,448 meals being supplied.
In addition to the large number of meals supplied, the food bank distributed 59kg to ASHA, who support refugees and asylum seekers; 130kg to Manna House (supporting homeless people) and 427kg to Home Start by way of food parcels for 19 families in the Staffordshire Moorlands comprising 29 adults and 45 children.
A further 79 Christmas food parcels were distributed to clients which helped 135 adults and 97 children to have a better Christmas.
Total quantity of food distributed was 5,440kg with a value of £9,520.
The figures show an increase of 69 per cent on the same month last year.
Once again, the main reason for the food bank use is low income followed by sickness.
Project co-ordinator Ian Smith, pictured right, said: “The year 2020 has been an unpredictable ride through the pandemic, protests and many more difficulties that had made living life quite hard for people across the globe.
“But as we end this year, we all should accept the fact that with every passing year, one should leave behind the bad memories and mistakes.
“Collectively, as a food bank, we have received many blessings in 2020. “Food donations and monetary donations have kept up with the vastly increased demand throughout the pandemic and we have been able to fully honour every voucher that has been presented to us, so we give thanks to all who have contributed and enabled us to achieve our goal that no one should go hungry.
“So now, as we embrace the upcoming year, 2021, let us all be positive and let our cheerful spirit and aspirations for the future come shining through.
“We should vow to not let the negative times affect us in looking forward to the future and working hard to achieve our dreams and ambitions. So, let us all embrace the new year with much-needed hope and happiness.”