WINTER has sparked a huge increase in people using food banks for essential supplies, according to local charities.

The Brighton and Hove Food Partnership (BHFP) says food banks and emergency meal projects across Brighton and Hove have seen a rise in people going hungry and needing help to buy food and essentials.

People struggling with low incomes, unemployment or health conditions are the main reasons for the increase, the charity said.

The Argus:

A spokeswoman for BHFP said: “The last couple of weeks have been brutal. Food banks and emergency meal projects across the city have seen a huge increase in people going hungry and needing help to buy food and essential items.

“This season will be tough for many local people. Poverty and food insecurity are on the rise as communities face the triple impact of reduced incomes, rising food, fuel, and housing costs and further Covid restrictions.”

Over the summer, the partnership’s emergency food network supported more than 5,800 adults and children each week – and it says that the number is now increasing.

The Argus:

Andrew Tinsley from the Hove Salvation Army food bank, said: “We have been running at capacity for the last three to four weeks, we need more food and donations coming in to be able to continue to meet demand.”

BHFP has launched has created a new crowdfunding campaign to help prevent anyone from going #hungrythiswinter.

Funds raised by BHFP will be distributed between 17 community organisations working to provide hot and cold food throughout the winter months across the city.

The Argus:

These include the Real Junk Food Project in Gardner Street, Hove Salvation Army food bank in Conway Street and the Brighton Women’s Centre.

So far, it has raised more £5,000 towards its £10,000 target.

Last year’s #HungryAtChristmas campaign raised more than £25,000.

The charity raised more than £50,000 through its #HungryatHome campaign during the first lockdown last year, which allowed the charity to provide emergency food provisions to thousands of residents after coronavirus hit.

At the height of the first lockdown, more than 40 organisations across the city were giving out 3,001 emergency food parcels and 3,966 meals in one week.

To donate to the BHFP campaign, visit https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/hungry-this-winter

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