Newcastle Foodbank provides emergency food and welfare support for people and households who are experiencing financial hardship. This can be food or fuel poverty, benefits issues, debt issues or the cost of living crisis. The Charity operates a network of seven Foodbank centres and welfare hubs in the Newcastle City region (Benwell, Byker, Heaton, Lemington, Newbiggin Hall, West Denton, West Road).
Having reported their busiest year on record and their busiest summer on record, the Charity is bracing for their worst winter yet.
Conservative projections released by the Foodbank estimate the following;
- Projection of food parcels to be issued between December 2023 – February 2024 at 8,580, representing an increase of 36% from the same period last year.
- 90 tonnes of food are estimated to be used between December 2023 – February 2024.
John McCorry, Chief Executive of Newcastle Foodbank stated “We are predicting our busiest Christmas and winter period on record. In the last year, we have observed more people than ever before visiting our Centres, due to the high cost of living crisis. At every stage this year, demand has surpassed our projections. Fortunately, through the generosity of donors and volunteers we are able to continue the vital work of helping local people through increasingly difficult times.”