Foodbanks in Ipswich are seeing a significant rise in demand as families struggle with the ongoing cost-of-living crisis
Ipswich: The local foodbanks are really feeling the pressure as 2025 kicks off. Maureen Reynel, who runs FIND, shared how tough things have been lately. She mentioned it’s been a “horrible year” for many folks.
More families are turning to the Brazier’s Wood Road foodbank now, which used to mainly serve single individuals. Since the start of the year, over 300 adults and 160 kids have been referred for help. Just last week, they delivered 140 food parcels!
Maureen, who’s been helping people for nearly 35 years, said the demand has jumped significantly compared to last year. She keeps a close eye on her records to ensure the food goes to those who truly need it.
Garath Jones from Castle Hill Community Foodbank echoed her concerns, noting they’re also seeing around 300 people each month. He pointed out that rising energy bills and the cold weather are making things even tougher for families.
Garath explained that when temperatures drop, people often face the tough choice between heating their homes and buying food. He believes foodbanks are just the “tip of the iceberg” when it comes to the bigger issues of debt and financial struggles.
With funding cuts, running the Highfield Road foodbank is becoming a real challenge, costing around £24,000 to £25,000 a year. It’s not just Ipswich; foodbanks across the country are feeling the strain as demand continues to rise.
Last November, the Trussell Trust highlighted that winter is usually the busiest time for foodbanks and urged the public to donate. They reported giving out 1.4 million food parcels from April to September 2024, including over half a million for children.
