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Trussell Trust Foodbanks – Tavistock
There are now 424 Trussell Trust foodbanks such as the one in Tavistock operating all over the UK. It’s not just a case of how many there are, but how much support they are now having to provide.
As Valerie O’Neill, Chairperson of Tavistock Foodbank, explains: ‘Tavistock Foodbank has been open now for four years and in that time we have issued 1120 vouchers and fed 2670 individuals in need. The foodbank initially, during the first year, saw clients who were undergoing issues with benefit claims however in the last 3 years we have seen a change and the use of the foodbank has moved progressively to the 'working needy', meaning those who fall through the net and are not able to claim benefits and yet not able to feed their families on their wages alone.
We are ever grateful for the support we receive from the local community who, whenever we have requested it, have stepped up and made our task at the foodbank far easier than we imagined when we opened our doors. Year on Year the numbers are still increasing, but so is the support we receive from the people of Tavistock and the wider community, to whom we thank very sincerely.’
Tea for Trussell is the charity’s new fundraising campaign (sponsored by Waitrose), encouraging as many as possible to host afternoon teas. All money raised will be used to fund advice and support services at its foodbanks across the country.
Why it Matters:
In the UK, 1 in 5 live below the poverty line, so every penny you raise will make a difference to people in crisis, helping us provide short-term relief and longer lasting support. For example, £100 could help to pay for one foodbank to receive training to deliver debt advice, part of our More Than Food programme that aims to help people break the cycle of poverty by offering immediate help at the point of crisis.
To find out more and to sign up for a ‘Tea for Trussell’ pack visit: