I visited the local Food Bank in Hereford recently. Started by a coalition of churches in 2006, last year they distributed 124 parcels. This year it is likely to reach 200. And the demand is growing. Already additional distribution points have opened in Ross and Leominster and more are planned in other towns across the county.

The demand for their services is growing so quickly that they are considering opening a warehouse to hold food stocks. The sadness is that Hereford needs this service at all. Ordinary people with no food because they have just moved into their home, their benefit has been cut or they have had a sudden call on their meagre income. There are umpteen reasons why living on the poverty line can just become too much and there just is not enough for food.

I fear that with welfare benefits reducing over the coming months, more and more people are going to suffer. It has been estimated that by the end of 2014, benefit payments in Herefordshire will have reduced by £54m per year. That’s not just £54m less in people’s pockets but also £54m less being spent in local shops.

We are preparing to support residents in a number of ways including strengthening our benefits advice. The main food distribution point in Hereford is behind the Baptist Church on Commercial Road. If you can help, particularly with donations of food, contact Tom at the Churches in Hereford Action Team on Hereford 373311. If he is not there, leave a message and he’ll get back to you. To get more information on their website click here.

Appears in Community, Financial Inclusion, Policy