More than 9,000 three-day emergency food supplies were given out in Norwich over the last year, with almost a third of those going to children.

Norwich Evening News: Norwich Foodbank project manager Hannah Worsley with donations. PHOTO: Nick ButcherNorwich Foodbank project manager Hannah Worsley with donations. PHOTO: Nick Butcher (Image: ©archant2016)

And those behind Norwich Foodbank pointed to issues with benefits payments, low wages, and insecure work as reasons for an increase in demand.

Data published by the Trussell Trust foodbank network has shown national foodbank figures continue to rise.

And in Norwich 9,020 emergency parcels were given out in 2016/17, compared to 8,730 in 2015/16.

Of those 9,020, some 3,004 were given to children.

Hannah Worsley, Norwich Foodbank project manager, said: 'It is deeply concerning that we are still seeing an increase in the number of three-day emergency food supplies provided to local people in crisis in Norwich over the last year.

'Anybody could find themselves in need of the foodbank. Every week people are referred to us after being hit by something unavoidable – such as illness, a delay in a benefit payment or wages or an unexpected bill – all this means food is simply unaffordable.

'It really is only with the community's support that we're able to provide vital emergency help when it matters most, and we hope that one day there will be no need for us in Norwich. But until that day comes, we will continue to offer the best possible service to help local people facing a crisis.'

More than 110 tonnes of food has been donated to the foodbank over the last year, from individuals, schools, business and faith groups.

But it is not only food offered, as the service has partnered with other agencies to provide additional services such as welfare advice, budgeting help and debt support at the foodbank itself.

Ms Worsley said at the Norwich foodbank, they shared the concerns of the Trussell Trust over the rollout of Universal Credit.

'The six week plus waiting period for a first payment can contribute to debt, mental health issues and rent arrears,' she said. 'The effects of these can last even after people receive their Universal Credit payments, as bills and debts pile up.

'Norwich Foodbank is working hard to stop local people affected going hungry but is troubled by the extra pressure this puts on food donation stocks and volunteers' time and emotional welfare.'

For more information, or to get involved, visit www.norwichfoodbank.co.uk

Case study

One couple who went to the Norwich Foodbank for help in July last year had serious health conditions and had not had any money coming in for three weeks.

The husband had been declared fit for work by the Department for Work and Pensions, although he was then subsequently told he was too ill to be classed as a job seeker.

And they still had over a week to wait until the husband's monthly disability payment of £220.40 was due. But using this to buy food would mean that no other bills would be paid. The couple had not eaten for several days.

The wife had type 1 diabetes and explained to staff that she had been scraping out jam jars in an attempt to keep her blood sugar levels in check.

Eventually the DWP's decision was overturned at court in October. But Future Support, who referred them to the foodbank, said this was typical of the people they helped.