A FOODBANK has seen a sharp increase in the number of people using its services due to the cost-of-living crisis.
Horsham District Foodbank, which provides energy vouchers and emergency food packages to people in the town, says it has seen a huge rise in families needing its support and expects the trend to continue over the coming months.
It fed 548 people in April, including 240 children, an increase from March which saw 434 people use the foodbank, of which 161 were children.
Many families who were previously able to balance their finances say they are now forced to choose between paying bills or buying food, due to a sudden increase in energy prices.
One new client at the foodbank said: “I was so embarrassed, worried, and anxious but the workers there were lovely and non-judgemental.
“Horsham Matters has been amazing at providing me food vouchers. You go into the warehouse, and they help you out.”
The charity, part of the Trussell Trust group, has seen a month-on-month increase in those needing support since the beginning of the year, which has led to a plea for donations.
“We have seen an increase in the number of new clients needing support, people coming into our foodbank in tears feeling shame and embarrassed that they even have to use a foodbank,” said Amalia Lovett, network and campaigns lead for Horsham Matters, which runs Horsham District Foodbank.
“The cost-of-living crisis is impacting our whole community and we expect to see many more residents having to turn to the foodbank from all walks of life over the forthcoming months.
“Now more than ever we are encouraging donations of food and money, we are in desperate need of more food.”
The charity is taking donations at its office in Redkiln Close, Horsham, or via its Just Giving page.
It comes as the Trussell Trust reported that of the 5.7 million people receiving Universal Credit in the UK, more than 56 per cent say they are going without at least one of the essentials needed to keep warm, fed and clothed, while 50 per cent are behind on bills or struggling to keep up with them.
Horsham District Council has been contacted for comment.
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