Derbyshire: Funding boost for food banks

Food banks in Derbyshire are being invited to apply for over £100,000 of funding from the County Council to help people on low incomes buy food this winter.

The rising cost of living combined with low incomes, high unemployment and changes to benefits are causing more and more people to come to food banks for help.

Between 2012 and 2013 food banks fed 346,992 people nationwide.

Of those helped, 126,889 were children

There are currently 14 food banks across Derbyshire run by charities and non-profit organisations that distribute food parcels to those who are most in need.

And to help them, the council is inviting these organisations to apply for a share of £108,000 to help them respond to the increasing local demand.

Council cabinet member for health and communities Coun Dave Allen said: “Many of the most vulnerable people in our communities are living on the verge of crisis because of the scale of national cuts.”

“This winter, many families and older people will be faced with the appalling decision of whether to heat or eat.”

“That’s why we are providing extra funds to help food banks offer emergency support wherever it’s needed.”