Council steps up support for city food banks

Sunderland Food Bank has seen demand treble since the start of the coronavirus crisis.

And others across the city are reporting a similar spike in demand.

Food banks are currently providing almost 500 people a week with food, supplying around 1,500 meals.

Sunderland Food Bank alone provides food to more than 200 people per week and estimates it will need more than four tonnes of supplies each month for food parcels to meet the increased demand, with other groups saying they are seeing similar increases.

The sharp rise in demand meansfoodbanksarerunning throughtheirstockpilesatprecisely the time it is most difficult to receive donations.

Sunderland City Council hasdonatedarangeofnon-perishable items to Sunderland Food Bank and fresh produce such as fruit and vegetables to

Loaves and Fishes in Hetton and Houghton’s Space4.

It has also donated its own stock of leftover fresh food to local community organisations and charities supporting vulnerable people across the city, including Hendonbased Chance, The Salvation Army and the YMCA.

Coun John Kelly, Cabinet MemberforCommunitiesand Culture, said: “During these uncertain times it is more important than ever that we pull together and look out for people who may be struggling.

“I am delighted that the council is able to support food banks across the city when they need it most and I want to say a big thank you to everyone who is volunteering and going the extra mile.”

Supermarkets, including Morrisons, have also ramped up donations to Sunderland food banks and Sunderland business Clearly Water has donated substantial supplies.