Bridport food bank demand increases as more people struggle

The cost of living crisis has hit many people hard, leaving them less money to spend on the bare essentials including energy and food.

And with the energy price cap set to rise by around 80% by October 1, leading to the average household paying £3,549 a year for their gas and electricity, food banks have noticed an increase in demand and have been forced to plan ahead as uncertainty for future demand looms.

Meanwhile, it is stressed that support is available and community leaders urge people to work together and reassure those in need that help is at hand.

Carrie Gamble, coordinator of Bridport's Cupboard Love food bank said: “We have seen an increase, I don’t think that it’s fully kicked in just yet, especially in the lovely weather, but we are seeing people come in very anxious about their future.

“We want people to know that we are here and that we are here to help, they can just call in, we are open on Wednesdays from 11am-1pm and we will make sure that they will go away with some food.

“There is some uncertainty around donations as businesses themselves need to survive, we do have enough food at present – who knows about the future.”

Brigitte Jones, volunteer at Cupboard Love food bank.. Pic: Carrie Gamble

Cupboard Love is Bridport’s main food bank at St Mary’s Church, South Street and whilst you do need a referral from either Citizens Advice, Job Centre or the doctors, they urge that no one will ever be turned away, but will be asked for a referral for future visits.

Reverend Deb Smith, the Team Rector at St Mary’s Church who is also involved in the food bank said: “I am concerned for the people who are at the sharp end and people are really frightened and need to know that there is support available for them.

“I think everybody is very concerned and we need to rely on each other and work together as a community and be able to reassure those that do need a bit of support and that it is offered to everyone.”

'It's going to get worse'

There's also concern at the Garden Glut and Food Stall that operates in the St Swithin’s Church car park in North Allington every Thursday from 10am-1pm.

Peter Wilson of the Garden Glut and Food Stall said: “There is certainly an increase. We have got a good range of stuff available and there is very little left over; I expect it’s going to get worse and there will be a bigger demand later in the year.

Food bank usage is rising across the region.

“The food is there, it’s for anybody – it’s a safe place.”

Some of the main concerns held by people revolve around how they will afford their energy bills this winter and being able to top up pre-payment meters whilst cost of living increases, pushing up regular bills.

Rovarn Wickremasinghe, Chief Officer at Bridport and District Citizens Advice said: “The scale of this crisis is clearly worsening, and demand will increase.

“Recently, we have been stretched with queries relating to the Household Support Fund. We are helping more people with crisis support like food bank referrals and access to grants because they simply can’t pay the bills or struggle with food insecurity.

It is understood the household support fund may close due to large number of applications this week.

Citizens Advice Bureau in Bridport, Rovarn Wickremasinghe

“We know that many families don’t have money to spare and while the government’s £400 energy rebate is hugely welcome, it’s not going to meet the scale of the hikes people are going to see - in particular, we are worried about people falling into debt and being moved to a prepayment meter or seeing more people on prepayment meters who simply can’t afford to top up.”

Mr Wickremasinghe relayed that there is help available for those struggling and what is available is dependent on individual’s circumstances and some of the options are:

Advice from the CAB

In May, the government announced additional support for people to cope with increased living costs. This includes:

• A £650 payment for people on the lowest incomes split into 2 instalments with the second instalment to come in the autumn.

• A £300 payment for pensioners who receive the Winter Fuel Payment

• A £150 payment for people in receipt of disability benefits

• The £200 energy rebate has been scrapped, replaced instead with a non-repayable grant of £400 for all households this autumn

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The government has now announced details on how the £400 energy payment for all households will be made:

• Most people won’t need to do anything to get the money and you won’t have to pay it back.

• If you pay via direct debit, the £400 will be automatically added to your energy account paid to you over 6 months starting from October 2022. That should equate to about £67-a-month:

• People who pay via direct debit will automatically see it as a reduction or a refund to their bank account.
• Standard credit/payment card customers will see it added to their credit.
• Smart meter customers will see it added to their smart meters.

• If you have a prepayment meter, you’ll be issued with vouchers in the first week of each month, issued via SMS text, email or post. Make sure your energy company has your up-to-date details

• You’ll need to redeem these at a top-up point like your nearest PayPoint or Post Office branch.

Citizens Advice is helping Dorset Council with administration of the Household Support Fund. This is currently a £200 supermarket voucher for people of pensionable age with under £10,000 in savings. We can also advise about local support schemes that may be available.

If you are struggling or would like some advice and support you can visit the Bridport and District Citizens Advice: www.bridportca.org.uk, or contact the telephone Adviceline on 0800 144 88 48 or pop into the offices at 45 South Street, Bridport on Monday-Friday (timings may vary).