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Food bank sees donations drop by 10% each year
Cambridge City Foodbank says donations have fallen by about 10% a year since 2023, as it prepares for its busiest period over Christmas and winter. Its chief executive is concerned that government advice urging households to keep three days’ worth of food and water could affect the public’s giving, though the government says it has found no serious evidence of stockpiling or supply shortages.
The food bank says it provided more than 260,000 meals in the past year, with someone receiving a meal every two minutes. It expects to provide over 45,000 meals between 13 November and 15 January, amid higher household costs for heating and energy. Donations fund emergency hampers, food and support, and contributions up to £15,000 will be matched.
In short
- Cambridge City Foodbank reports donations falling about 10% annually.
- It expects to provide over 45,000 meals through the winter appeal.
- Gifts up to £15,000 will be matched.
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The case for
The food bank’s falling donations and rising winter demand suggest that calls to keep emergency supplies may make people more cautious about giving, even if there is no widespread stockpiling. Households also face higher heating and food costs, so the charity’s appeal and matched donations offer a practical way to help people facing immediate hardship.
The case against
Advice to keep a few days’ worth of essentials is intended to improve household preparedness, and the government says it has found no serious evidence that it is causing shortages or stockpiling. Donations may be falling for several reasons, including pressure on household budgets, so the reported trend alone does not establish that the advice is responsible.
Explained simply
Food banks provide food and practical support to people who cannot afford enough to eat. Cambridge City Foodbank is part of a wider network of local organisations, often supported by donations from the public, businesses and community groups.
Demand can rise when household costs increase, including bills for heating and energy. Donations help the food bank prepare emergency food parcels and offer support, so changes in the amount given can affect how much help it can provide.
Government advice to keep a few days’ worth of food and water is intended to help households prepare for disruption. The food bank has raised concern that people might keep more food at home and give less away; the government says it has found no serious evidence of stockpiling or supply shortages.
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