BASINGSTOKE Foodbank trustee has expressed his sadness that there is still need the charity in Basingstoke on its 10-year anniversary. 

Every year since 2012 Basingstoke Foodbank has fed around 3,000 people in crisis in the area, including 800 children.  

Since 2012 a total of over 42,900 people have been fed and 488 tonnes of food distributed.

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Chair of trustees Phil Thomas said: “While we are immensely grateful to the people and businesses of Basingstoke for their support over the years, and for the sterling efforts of over 100 volunteers, we’re sad that in 2022 there is still a need for a foodbank in our town.

“The current economic crisis means demand for our services is growing again and until the benefits system in this country is reformed, there will continue to be people and families in crisis with not enough to eat.”

The foodbank provides a three-day supply of food to anyone in crisis who is referred to it by over 120 different agency teams across the town. There are now believed to be more foodbanks in the UK than there are branches of McDonald’s.

Phil added: “The foodbank’s work is a massive achievement and a reflection of the fantasic effort by a dedicated group of volunteers from churches and the community across Basingstoke. The whole community of Basingstoke and Deane generously provide crisis food for some of the neediest people in our town.”

Currently the number of people using the foodbank in its seven centres across Basingstoke and Tadley, is rising. 

The top three reasons cited for needing the foodbank are benefit delays, low income and debt.

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In addition to supplying food, the volunteers try to help the clients identify the root causes that have brought them to the position of needing the foodbank’s help.  Volunteers then point clients to other agencies for further help such as benefits support, debt advice, job seeking etc. 

The foodbank touches some of the neediest lives in Basingstoke and regularly receives expressions of gratitude from those who benefit from its work.

One said: “Thank you so much for sending me the wonderful food and supplies.  I was amazed at how much thought had gone into this and will be forever grateful. You are amazing.

“I don’t know what I would have done without Basingstoke Foodbank. The thought of not being able to provide for my children is unbearable.”