Food bank expecting record numbers of people

Guernsey Welfare Service is expecting record numbers of people to use its food bank in December

A food bank in Guernsey is expecting record numbers of people to use its service this month, bosses say.

Guernsey Welfare Service said more than 500 people were expected to use the food bank this month, up from 492 in December 2022, due to rising food poverty.

Sue Le Friec, the charity's coordinator, blamed the rising cost of food, electricity and mortgages.

She said "everything is just hitting people" and "there are a lot struggling".

"Everybody who comes in has a different story, but a common theme is the price of food," she said.

"With the prices of things going up every week - not just by a couple of pence, but by 20 pence or more - it really in the end does have an impact."

The service said last month was its busiest November ever, with 306 islanders using it, up from 250 in November 2022.

Low stock

Ms Le Friec also said the food bank's stocks were low after high demand in November.

She appealed for donations of staples such as sugar, coffees, biscuits, crisps and cheese.

"Guernsey people are just amazing and we've had so many generous donations in the last week," she added.