Food bank boss warns of summer surge after lockdown is lifted as referrals sky rocket

Hospitality and Hope food bank, in Hampden Street in Chichester, South Shields has seen referrals to the service rocket in the last six weeks since the lockdown measures were introduced due to the coronavirus outbreak.

In April, staff and volunteers handed out 800 food packages - a rise of 161 percent on the same time last year - many of which went to families with children.

The service has also been working with local schools and Age Concern to feed families, elderly and vulnerable residents and those coming out of hospital.

But bosses say that they anticipate this is only the beginning of the crisis.

The food bank is preparing to see a surge in demand in the summer, as mortgage holidays come to an end, redundancies are made and the rise in unemployment leads to an increase in universal credit claims.

“When the restrictions came in we had a huge upsurge in people making referrals, we’ve seen people who have never used the food bank before,” said Paul Oliver, chief executive of Hospitality and Hope.

“We anticipate the situation to carry on long after lockdown restrictions are eased and expect to see a big surge in the summer as mortgage holidays come to an end, jobless numbers rise and we see an increase in universal credit claims.

“Thankfully we have received some really generous food donations from the public, but food is going out as quickly as it’s coming in.”

Hospitality and Hope, which is part of the Trussell Trust national network of food banks, has also had help from British Gas engineers who have been delivering food packages and collecting stock during the crisis.

The food bank currently has donation points in Asda, Boldon and South Shields, Sainsburys, The Nook and West Park and Wilko stores.

“The support of organisations such as these has been invaluable and we couldn’t have done it without them,” added Paul.

“I would just encourage anyone who is able to, to donate.”

Donations can also be made through the spareable app and at www.hospitalityandhope.org.uk

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