Published: Wednesday, 18th May 2022
The Borough Council of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk has ringfenced support for foodbanks across the borough to ensure that people struggling with the cost of living have access to supplies.
King’s Lynn Foodbank has been busier than ever this Spring, supporting nearly 400 (396) people more in March and April than it did in the same period last year.
Cllr Sam Sandell, cabinet member for people and communities, said:
“We have supported the foodbank during the pandemic and we are steadfast in our support for their vital work. We’re using the council’s delegated powers to ringfence money for foodbanks over the coming year to make sure that they have the funding to support local people in need now and in the colder months.”
The King’s Lynn foodbank currently has good stocks of food but it is giving it out at approximately twice the rate at which it is donated. Over time this will inevitably mean stocks will become depleted.
A spokesperson for the King’s Lynn foodbank said:
“King’s Lynn is very thankful for any support that the borough council can offer to help local people who are struggling during the cost of living crisis. “We look forward to working with the borough council in the hope that in time we can bring about an end for the need of foodbanks in this area altogether.”
The council has ringf-enced £15,000 to ensure it has funds to help foodbanks across the borough over the coming year, with £10,000 for King’s Lynn and £5,000 for the other foodbanks.
Leader of the borough council, Stuart Dark MBE, added:
“Due to a perfect storm of global events, prices of food, energy and goods are volatile and increasing, leading to a high rate of inflation. We are acutely aware that the cost of living is hitting families hard and we are determined to do everything in our power to relieve their hardship.
“This money is about helping people with the basics but we know how important quality of life is too, which is why I am also announcing today the return of the Summer of Play discounts in our leisure facilities.”
In the meantime, anyone wishing to help the foodbanks can take in donations, which are always gratefully received. The King’s Lynn foodbank says that these items would be most useful:
- Soup
- Tinned meat
- Tinned fish
- Tinned rice pudding or custard
- Pasta sauce
- Deodorant
- Spreads
- Treats – chocolate bars, crisps, granola bars, flapjack, lunch biscuits
- Packet mixes
- Sauces – ketchup, BBQ, mayonnaise
- Strong carrier bags (so people can take the food home)
- Washing powder