Over the year to March 2021, client numbers at Bow and Bethnal Green foodbanks grew by over 500%, reaching a peak of 1,200 people a week.
Thanks to the amazing work of their incredible team of volunteers they never had to turn anyone away empty handed.
Between May and October 2021, the average number of weekly visits across both foodbanks was 773, with 1368 children's extra bags. Although numbers had started to decrease somewhat over more recent weeks, they are now beginning to build up again as the end of the £20 a week Universal Credit uplift and the impact of the huge increase in the cost of living, especially energy bills and food prices, start to impact the most vulnerable.
The foodbank have launched a Winter and Christmas Appeal, aiming to raise £100,000 to help continue to provide food and other essential items to clients. In the week before Christmas, they also want to give every foodbank visitor a small extra bag with some treats.
If you'd like to help support the campaign alongside other Queen Mary Students and Staff, please consider donating to this fundraiser, donating some items at one of the drop-off points or giving some of your time to help at the foodbank.
If you have any questions or would like to get your student group/department involved in fundraising please contact Tom Stockton, Sustainability Coordinator on t.stockton@qmul.ac.uk
