Rutland Foodbank, part of the Trussell Trust, reports yearly drop in emergency food aid

A joint project to help people access benefits is behind a fall in demand for emergency food aid, according to the chairperson of a county foodbank.

Figures released last week by the Trussell Trust network show the Rutland Foodbank received 616 referrals for emergency food parcels between April 1, 2024 and March 31 this year - down by a quarter from 820 referrals the previous financial year.

The number of households receiving the parcels was also down - from 305 to 263.

Ali Wainwright, the chairperson of trustees for the county’s foodbank, believes the drop was due to a link up with Citizens Advice Rutland which helps foodbank clients in debt to increase household income.

“We are pleased that many clients no longer need the foodbank as they have been able to get support to ensure they are getting the correct benefits, grants and allowances they are entitled to,” she said.

“The joint project has just started its third year and we hope to continue this support, if we can.”

In all, 1409 emergency food parcels were provided to Rutland people facing hardship, 595 of which went to homes which included children.

Almost half of the referrals were for single adults struggling to cope with daily living costs, particularly rising food and energy bills.

While Ali welcomed the drop in demand, she remained concerned that 102 of the referrals were for households which they had previously not helped, while almost a quarter were for those in work but struggling to afford food.

“It remains the case that there are significant numbers of households in Rutland requiring emergency food help,” she said.

“Thirty-eight per cent of the vouchers received last year were for clients that we had never helped before or those returning perhaps over a year since they were last helped.”

In total, ingredients for more than 29,500 meals were distributed, and almost 23,000kg of donated items were sent out across Rutland.

Ali thanked the community for their continued donations of everyday essentials and cash, and her team of volunteers.

“Without the amazing resilient and dedicated volunteers who continue to give their time so freely we wouldn't be able to operate, I'd like to record a special thanks to them,” she added.

“We continue to be grateful to our local community, fundraisers, charities, groups and businesses for all of their help in terms of donations and financial support.

“Without that help we would not be able to continue offering the same level of emergency help.

“We help many and varied households across the Rutland and will continue to do so until we reach the stage where no-one needs a foodbank.”

The foodbank has compiled a summer wishlist of items, with a few extras to help during the school holidays.

“As the school holidays approach we try and add a few extras to our emergency parcels to help keep children occupied, particularly if the weather limits outdoor activities,” Ali added.

Stamford Foodbank, part of the national Trussell Trust network, helped 2,145 people in the town with emergency food parcels in the 12 months up to the end of March 2025.

It represents a two per cent drop on the previous year, but the fall was less pronounced than the overall national decline of eight per cent reported by the Trussell Trust which last week released its figures for the last financial year.

Sian Fytche, operations manager for Stamford and Oundle Foodbank, remains concerned at the number of referrals that the foodbank continues to receive which are on top of the work done by other voluntary groups.

“The number of people needing to access the foodbank in Stamford remains consistently higher than pre-pandemic levels,” she said.

“And it’s particularly concerning in light of the other help available with food through initiatives like Second Helpings and George's Food Hub in our town.

“Sadly foodbanks are becoming an accepted norm in our communities and urgent action is needed to change this.”

Stamford Foodbank, which was established is 2011 by Stamford Churches Together, is based at The Unity Centre, in West Street.

It works in conjunction with Oundle Foodbank, based at Oundle Methodist Church, in Drummingwell Lane.

For more information on donating, or if you need help, visit https://stamfordoundle.foodbank.org.uk/ or call 07570 583 799.