Foodbank call to ‘keep the conversation going’
The continuing cost of living crisis is showing itself in the increased numbers of people relying on foodbanks.
Before the 2008 recession, foodbanks were almost unheard of in the UK but they now number over 2,500 and have become a crucial means of support for around 2.5million people.
That pattern of growth is evident here in Uist, where the number of emergency food parcels offered has risen by over 40% in just three years. Last year, 472 parcels were issued and this winter’s figures are expected to show a further increase in demand.
Despite the growing need for the service, Uist and Barra Foodbank Project Manager Janet Atkin feels there is still a sense of shame associated with asking for help, something she is determined to try and change: “Millions of people use a foodbank; this isn’t about the odd person here and there failing to manage their money, this is about a cost of living crisis that has pushed very many households to a point of absolute desperation. People are going hungry, when we have food available. They are fearful of being judged, or don’t feel they are truly deserving of the help, telling themselves ‘there’s always someone worse off than me’. My message to anyone in Uist who is facing an empty cupboard or missing meals because they can’t afford to eat is to please, please, please get in touch. There is no need for embarrassment and there is no need for shame – I can guarantee that nobody here will be judging you.”
“People who were already unable to afford food are being hit the hardest by relentless rises in energy, food, and travel costs. Every day we meet people who are skipping meals so they can feed their children and turning off their cooker or fridge so they can cover other essential costs. People who themselves used to donate to food banks are now needing to seek our support. And the next 12 months look bleaker still.”
Generally, people accessing the Foodbank are referred by other agencies, for example by health visitors or by the Citizens Advice team, but as Janet explains, help is available for anyone in need, no matter how they get in touch: “It’s really important that people understand just how private and respectful the process is. The Foodbank can be contacted via Facebook or by email or phone and any request for support will be treated in absolute confidence.”
The Foodbank provides three days’ worth of emergency food to help people in crisis. People are issued with a voucher, which they can exchange for a parcel and there is no limit to how often they can access the service.
The Foodbank relies on contributions from the community, which keep coming, despite increasing financial pressures for households everywhere: “The cost of living crisis is leaving more and more people in our community struggling to afford the essentials, while at the same time we are battling to keep our shelves stocked for the increased need we are meeting. That’s why the generosity we see from members of our community and further afield is so amazing, both in terms of cash donations and the food donated through our drop off points.”
The Uist and Barra Foodbank located in The Bunker, East Camp, Balivanich, and is open Monday 9.30am-1pm and Friday 12pm-3pm. The service can be contacted via their Facebook page, by email at uistandbarrafoodbank@gmail.com or by phone 01870603819 (Please leave contact details as all messages are answered promptly.)
Emergency food parcels are available outside opening hours by the back door of The Bunker.
Drop off points for those able to donate are located at local supermarkets, and items can also be dropped off at the Foodbank during opening hours.
Financial donations are also welcomed, and can be received by PayPal at info@uistandbarra.foodbank.org.uk, or bank transfer to: Uist and Barra Foodbank, CAF Bank, Sort code 83-91-46 Account number 30401010.
