A very busy time for the Foodbank. Just how busy can be seen by comparing 1st April to 12th May this year with last year:
|
2019 |
2020 |
|
| Stock coming in |
2145 Kg |
5256 Kg |
| Stock going out |
2006 Kg |
3984 Kg |
| Vouchers processed |
140 |
216 |
| People helped |
298 |
459 |
Much of this growth in numbers has come about as an effect of the current lockdown. There has been a huge increase in the number of people relying on Universal Credit. The Department of Works and Pensions official statistics show that in normal times the number of people starting Universal Credit in the Shrewsbury area each month varies between 181 and 354. In April this year, a staggering 1,888 people began to claim the benefit!
Fortunately, at the moment, growth in demand is being met by a growth in supply. Donations come from large organisations such as supermarkets but also from individuals. Thanks are due to communities in Trefonen, Kinnerly, Knockin and Ellesmere who continue to collectively make large donations of food. The reorganisation of deliveries across the week announced in last weeks new has made it possible to spread the load of processing these generous gifts.
As the lockdown is eased slightly, more people are out and about and the Foodbank continues to ensure that volunteers are as safe as possible. Social distancing has been observed throughout the crisis as has the use of face masks and gloves. Volunteers making deliveries also have to be especially careful as a number of the recipients of parcels are self-isolating due to suspected cases of Covid-19.