Founder Reports Unprecedented Demand for Food Bank Services

The founder of a food bank located in a seaside resort has indicated that the organization anticipates one of its most active holiday seasons to date, as the cost-of-living crisis persists. This year, The Big Food Project, based in Blackpool, has supplied 400 tonnes of surplus food to 120 organizations, covering an area from Lancaster to Southport. Neil Reid, the founder and chairman, stated that the project is observing a year-on-year rise in demand, as individuals are feeling “the pinch” and “families are being squeezed” by continuously escalating bills. Mr. Reid conveyed that he was “hugely grateful” for the assistance the charity has received in delivering food to those requiring it, particularly as the organization aims to expand its services next year. Established in 2012, The Big Food Project, which operates with approximately 150 volunteers, began its operations under the name Blackpool Food Bank. Mr. Reid clarified that the organization functions not as a conventional food bank but as a redistributor of surplus food sourced from supermarkets and manufacturers, aiming “to get that food into people and not into a hole in the ground or landfill, because that’s where it would normally go”. He reiterated, “People generally are feeling the pinch; people are being squeezed; families are being squeezed.” He further noted, “This winter again we’ve just got used to a higher energy costs, but they have gone up a little bit again.” He also added, “Prices are still going up in the shops.” Mr. Reid commented that financial difficulties are “heightened” during the Christmas season, particularly for families striving “to feed the kids and buy them a present”. The charity has also introduced what it refers to as “the big food truck,” functioning as a mobile shop where individuals can acquire food at a fraction of typical supermarket prices. Mr. Reid stated that customers can purchase a family parcel “for about £6.50 and they get about £35 worth of food”. This service currently operates at four locations within Blackpool, with the charity planning to expand its reach next year. A comparable situation is observed at other food banks across the county, where an increase in demand is met with a decrease in donations. Linda Currin, representing The Olive Branch in Lancaster, reported a decrease in donations this year and stressed the critical need for additional food supplies on their shelves to assist those in need. She elaborated, “We actually have some empty shelves at the moment where we would usually have full shelves. “Demand is up on last year by about 10% but the stock is low.” Gill Fourie, who manages Blackburn Foodbank, is appealing to the public for support during the busy festive period. She urged, “Donate something; don’t do nothing. “Either donate some food, donate some money or donate a bit of time if you can or simply look out for your own neighbour.”Let’s get community spirit going before Christmas.”