A new study has found Eastbourne is among the places most in need of food banks. 

The research, conducted by window, door and conservatory installers Eliments, investigated how many times people from 95 places across the UK have searched for food banks and related words on the internet over the past 12 months. 

It was searched by people in Eastbourne an average of 1,199 times a month, that’s around 40 searches a day. 

With a population of just over 100,00, it means there were 1,180 searches a month per 100,000 people - the highest in the South East. 

Compared to the rest of the UK, Eastbourne came 8th. 

Eliments' Danny Hogan said: “It’s sad to see the impact the cost-of-living crisis is having on people, but it’s equally heartwarming to see the response from volunteers in helping those in need. 

“It only seems like yesterday when the whole country came together to support each other during the pandemic, and it's lovely to see that this community spirit continues to exist.” 

Danny had advice for people using food banks. 

“Plan your visits regularly to ensure a consistent and reliable source of food support. This helps in managing your resources effectively and reduces the risk of running out of essential supplies. 

“Food banks offer a variety of items, and sometimes the selection may be limited. Get creative with your meal planning to make the most out of the available ingredients. Experiment with different recipes and cooking methods to ensure a diverse and balanced diet for you and your family. 

“Build a Support Network: Connect with others in your community who may be facing similar challenges. Building a support network can involve sharing information about resources, exchanging tips on budgeting and cooking, and providing emotional support. Collective efforts can make the experience of using food banks more manageable.”