Not enough for winter - Devon food bank

The Okehampton Community Food Bank says it expects to see more people relying on its supplies as energy bills rise

A food bank in Devon has said its stocks are dramatically low as it braces for high demand in the run-up to Christmas.

Staff at the Okehampton Community Food Bank said they expected to see more people relying on their supplies as energy bills rise.

The independently-owned food bank and kitchen opened its doors after the Covid-19 pandemic, but said it was receiving fewer donations and more demand for meals due to the cost of living crisis.

Founder Rebecca Green said 29 people had come in over a two-day period and there was "not enough food to sustain everyone over the winter months".

'Everyone is struggling'

The kitchen offers a sustainable solution to food poverty by providing recipes, three-day food packages and cooking equipment such as slow cookers.

Ms Green said she started the community kitchen after living in food poverty herself.

“I saw first-hand how access to affordable food isn’t always possible for people. I hate to think that there’s people still living like that now," she said.

Trustee Chris Connor said volunteers were "bracing themselves" for the months ahead.

He said: "It's not just people on benefits, it's people who are working. Everyone is in some way struggling.

"I think that's going to get worse in the next year or so."

Although contributions tend to be higher during Christmas, the organisation said it received significantly fewer donations before and after the festive season when those living in food poverty needed it more.

The food bank has asked people to help stock them back up and requested contributions towards hampers for those suffering from food poverty this Christmas.