THE use of Alton Foodbank has increased by almost 40 per cent according to new figures that show emergency food supplies were handed out to 374 people in crisis in the six months from April 1 to September 30, compared to 268 for the same period last year.

Of this number, 165 of these three-day emergency food supplies went to children.

A member of The Trussell Trust’s network, which on November 7 reported an increase in UK Foodbank use, Alton Foodbank believes the small local increase is due to people struggling with continued issues with benefit payments, low wages, and seasonal and insecure work.

Alton Foodbank manager John Jacobs said: “In the months leading to Christmas a number of factors, such as cold weather and high energy bills, and referral agencies ensuring that people who are likely to hit crisis have food ahead of Christmas Day, mean The Trussell Trust’s Foodbank network traditionally sees a spike in foodbank use.”

According to Mr Jacobs, Alton Foodbank is concerned about the future rollout of full Universal Credit in the area, following evidence from other foodbanks in The Trussell Trust’s network about the issues people referred to them have experienced with the new system.

He said: “The six-week-plus waiting period for a first payment can contribute to debt, mental health issues and rent arrears. The effects of these can last even after people receive their Universal Credit payments, as bills and debts pile up.

“Alton Foodbank is preparing to help prevent local people affected going hungry but is troubled by the extra pressure this puts on food donation stocks and volunteers’ capacity.”

And he added: “It’s really worrying that we are still seeing an increase in need for emergency food across Alton and district.

“Every week people are referred to us after something unavoidable – like illness, a delayed benefit payment or an unexpected bill – which means there’s no money for food.

“It’s only with local people’s help that we’re able to provide vital support when it matters most, and while we hope one day there will be no need for our work, until that day comes we’ll be working hard to help prevent people going hungry.”

Mr Jacobs concluded: “Thank you so much to everyone who already donates time, food and money to help local people.”

In operation since 2011 and now based on the Market Square, Alton Foodbank handled three-and-a-half tonnes of food, donated by the local community between April and September last year.

In addition, the running costs for Alton Foodbank are around £13,000 per year, all of which is raised locally to enable the team to continue their work. Costs include distribution centre rent, staff wages, and other overheads such as utilities and insurances.

Alton Foodbank welcomes any new offers of help with funding, and local businesses, organisations and individuals interested in supporting the foodbank’s work can find out more at alton.foodbank.org.uk/give-help/donate-money.