The Somer Valley Foodbank has provided 2,472 three-day emergency food parcels to local people between April 2018 to March 2019. Of this number, 1,151 went to children.

The local foodbank’s figures feed into a larger national picture, with a record increase in foodbank use across the UK reported last week by the Trussell Trust.

Somer Valley Foodbank is backing calls from the Trussell Trust to ensure the benefits system is able to protect people from poverty.

The figures from Somer Valley Foodbank are a 23% increase on the same period last year. The charity believes the local increase is due to people struggling with continued issues with benefit payments; issues with Universal Credit, such as the five-week wait; insecure work; and the lack or reduction in available local government support.

Somer Valley Foodbank shares the concerns of other foodbanks in the Trussell Trust’s network about Universal Credit – it is not the only benefit payment people referred to the foodbank have experienced problems with, but they report that the issues faced by local people moving onto the new system are significant. The foodbank has needed to give emergency food and support to people who are waiting at least five weeks for a first Universal Credit payment, not able to access support or receiving payments that don’t cover the cost of essentials.

Paul Woodward, Somer Valley Foodbank Manager, said: “No one should need a foodbank’s help, and we want to see an end to local people needing emergency food at all.

“It doesn’t have to be this way – our benefits system is supposed to protect us all from being swept into poverty. Universal Credit should be part of the solution, but currently the five-week wait is leaving many without enough money to cover the basics. This isn’t right.

“Until we reach a future where foodbanks are no longer needed, we’ll continue to provide vital support when it matters most.

“We are dedicated to ensuring that people in our community without enough money for food are able to access emergency support.

“Our vital work in the community has only been possible in the last year because of the incredible generosity shown by local people in donating food, time and funds.

“A staggering 20,265 tonnes were donated last year. Thank you.”

The running costs for the foodbank are raised locally to enable them to continue their work. Costs include warehouse space, to sort and stock donated food, a van to pick up donated food and deliver to distribution centres, and other overheads like utilities and insurances. The foodbank welcomes any new offers of help with funding – local businesses, organisations and individuals interested in supporting the foodbank can find out more at: www.somervalley.foodbank.org.uk

Those with a valid Foodbank voucher can access help at the Salvation Army Hall, Midsomer Norton on Mondays, 12 noon – 2 p.m., St Nicholas Church Café on Wednesdays, 12 noon – 2 p.m., Paulton Methodist Church, Paulton, also on Wednesdays from 11.30 a.m. – 1.30 p.m., and St John’s Methodist Church, Peasedown St John, on Fridays from 12 noon – 2 p.m.