Hartlepool Foodbank feeds over 3,000 since Covid outbreak and says 'we haven't seen full impact yet'

The number of people relying on the food crisis charity rose by roughly 10% since the start of the pandemic in March.

But despite the lockdowns and impact on people’s finances, the food and cash has continued to flow in.

Hartlepool Foodbank coordinator Lisa Lavender said: "It’s been very hard work and an exceptional year but we have done our best to be there for the people of Hartlepool and that’s what it’s all about.”

Between March and late December, the Church Street based charity provided emergency food parcels to feed 3,077 people.

That was up from 2,783 for the same period last year.

The number of children helped has also increased from 840 in 2019 to 906 this year.

But Lisa says that does not reflect the true picture of people in Hartlepool needing help as others have been supported through other organisations such as Hartlepool Borough Council, Poolie Time Exchange and Hartlepool Ambulance Charity.

“We have seen a percentage but there’s many more out there being helped across the town,” she said.

"I’m still not sure we have seen the full impact. People are still losing their jobs and the furlough scheme is due to stop.”

But Lisa praised the generosity of supporters who have continued to keep stocks healthy.

They have received 53 tonnes of food this calendar year and in November alone gave out just under five tonnes.

Lisa added: “We were expecting to see a reduction, particularly in our permanent collection points, but people have been incredible and donations have been absolutely outstanding.”

A variety of partner agencies issue people in need with food bank vouchers which provide a three-day emergency food parcel.

This month the food bank has been giving out seven-day parcels.

However, Lisa appealed to people to continue to think of them after Christmas saying: “Because we’re here all year round it’s still important to give because we’re still seeing people lose their jobs and struggling.”

Hartlepool Foodbank is part of the Trussell Trust charity which is lobbying the government for change.

It is closed now until Tuesday, January 5, but donations can be left at most Hartlepool supermarkets.

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