St John’s Foundation is highlighting the issue of food poverty in the region whilst tackling the stigma surrounding it.
The charity is working closely with local partners to eradicate the issue across Bath and North East Somerset. It says that the stigma surrounding food pantries and food banks is deterring some people from accessing available support.
Approximately 21,000 residents across B&NES are facing food poverty as we head into the winter months.
David Hobdey, CEO of St John’s Foundation, said, “The cost-of-living crisis is taking its toll on families throughout the region, with an increasing number of parents struggling to cover the cost of a basic breakfast and lunch for their children.
“Whilst we work with many partners to eradicate food poverty in the B&NES region, a part of this is reducing the stigma that some people have around seeking help by talking about and normalising access to food and financial support.”
Support is available in numerous locations, with more information provided by independent voluntary project https://www.banesfoodfinder.org.uk/ which provides a list of food clubs and pantries in the region that can offer affordable food or food parcels.
Food price inflation has hit close to a 45-year high, with research from B&NES Council suggesting that 8% of the region’s population is now worrying about running out of food.
In 2022, 4.2 million children in the UK were living in poverty. This equals about 29% of UK children and 6% of the total population.
David Hobdey, added, “The numbers around food poverty in B&NES and across the UK are worrying to say the least. At St John’s Foundation, we are determined to tackle the problem head on, working closely with our partners.
“It is so important that families struggling to put food on the table receive support to help them through the cost-of-living crisis so their children have the opportunity to thrive at school.”
At the start of 2023, St John’s pledged to support the children attending seven local primary schools who are not entitled to free school meals, by funding free hot meals for them until July 2024.
“St John’s work goes further than free school meal provision – they are also working with other local stakeholders and national organisations to eradicate the need for emergency food provision and address the inequalities in educational attainment across Bath and North East Somerset. Through the Nutritious Food and Safe Places programme, funding is awarded to FareShare, as well as several other local projects, to deliver food to families, food banks, food clubs and pantries that provide access to nutritious food to those who need it most in the area.”
Pictured: David Hobdey
