Coronavirus: Whitehawk Foodbank demand quadruples in a month

Before the crisis began, Whitehawk Foodbank typically supported 30 people each week out of St Cuthman’s Church in Whitehawk Way, Brighton.

Now it is providing 120 emergency packages every week and expects the number to increase even more as the pandemic continues to cause financial uncertainty for many.

“A lot of people in Whitehawk work at Brighton Marina so they’ve been hit hard, losing their job or being furloughed,” said the Reverend Steve Tennant, vicar at the church and one of the food bank organisers.

“The other challenge is for those who have kids at home now who otherwise would have got free school meals.

The food bank has moved into the Valley Social Centre in a bid to scale up operations

“The Government has done some good stuff on that but it’s still a challenge of making things stretch for the whole family.

“Never before have we seen such a clear need for support.”

Hit with unprecedented demand the food bank has moved into the Valley Social Centre next door to scale up its operations.

Half its emergency packages are being delivered to those self-isolating in their homes.

And with some food banks in Brighton unable to cope with extra demand, Whitehawk organisers have had to expand operations to other areas of the city.

More than 120 people need the food bank's help each week

“Some other food banks have either not been able to cope because many volunteers are over the age where they need to self-isolate,” Rev Tennant said.

“Or they haven’t had the stock levels to deal with the increased demand so now we’re filling in gaps in other places across the city with delivery.”

Yet the food bank believes demand could increase even more as the pandemic continues.

Rev Tennant said those relying on emergency food packages will need continued support after lockdown ends.

“The longer it goes on, there will be more impact,” he said.

“Even if we’re only in lockdown for another three weeks, it will take many people a while for things to level out for them so more will need to rely on us than before.”

The food bank is delivering half of its packages to people who are self-isolating

Thanks to an impressive response from Whitehawk residents, the food bank has ramped up volunteer numbers and stock.

But Rev Tennant said the group will need financial support to continue helping those in need.

“The biggest thing is stock. We have a lot of food but it’s moving through our system really quickly,” he said.

“So what we really need from people is financial donations.

“That way we can respond quickly to any shortages by buying more.”

Donate financially to Whitehawk Foodbank at givey.com/whfoodbank.

• The coronavirus Sussex Crisis Fund has been set up to help those affected by the pandemic. The Argus’s charity and American Express have each donated £50,000 to kick-start the appeal. Grants will usually be for up to £5,000. More information is available at www.sussexgiving. org.uk/apply. To donate visit www.totalgiving.co.uk/appeal/sussexcrisisfund