Use of emergency food parcels rises in Market Drayton
Almost 1,000 three-day emergency food supplies were provided to people by Market Drayton's food bank last year, new figures have revealed.
Bosses who run the food bank in Market Drayton have revealed 982 food supplies were provided in 2016, including 352 which went to children.
Figures show a total of 9.8 tonnes of food were donated by the local community last year.
It compares with a total of 967 three-day emergency food supplies during 2015.
Latest statistics published by The Trussell Trust food bank network show UK-wide food bank figures are still not decreasing.
Helen McSherry, manager of Market Drayton Food Bank, said the top three reasons for food bank referral were low income, debt and benefit delays.
"Anybody could find themselves in need of the food bank," she said.
"Every week we meet local people like you or me, who have been hit by something unavoidable – such as illness, a delay in welfare payments or an unexpected bill – and are unable to afford food.
"It really is only with the community's support that we're able to provide vital emergency help when it most matters."
Mrs McSherry said they received just under one tonne of food in the month of December and have received half a tonne in the first 10 days of January from its Advent Appeal.
"We're constantly surprised and overwhelmed by local people's generosity and would like to thank everyone in Market Drayton and the surrounding villages who donate time, food and money to help local people in crisis, especially over this last Christmas period," she said.
"We're keen to work with individuals, businesses and organisations across the community to help put a stop to local people going hungry – there's a part for everyone to play.
"Our main challenge is to ensure that everybody who is experiencing a crisis can access the food bank through one of our 38 referral agencies in Market Drayton and north Shropshire."
Market Drayton Food bank has been providing three days emergency food and support to local people since November 2012. As well as needing donations of food, the food bank has various running costs, all of which is raised locally to enable them to continue their work. Costs include rent, utilities and insurances.
The food bank welcomes any new offers of help with funding. Local businesses, organisations and individuals interested in supporting the food bank's work can find out more at marketdrayton.foodbank.org.uk/give-help/donate-money
