THE number of families surviving on charitable food parcels has doubled this year.
The recession and resulting economic downturn has led to a huge increase in the number of struggling families turning to the Daily Bread Food Larder for help.
Last year, the charity gave out 468 emergency food parcels to people in North East Lincolnshire from its headquarters in Hainton Avenue. This year, in just 13 days, it has given out 74.
Run by Care, in partnership with Churches Together North East Lincolnshire (CTNEL), the charity is now looking for more volunteers to help meet the demand for the parcels, which are made up from donations made by local supermarkets.
General manager for Care Sarah Taylor believes January will see the highest donation rate yet.
She said: "It is scary for families, especially after Christmas time.
"Some are struggling so badly they have to decide whether to pay for the gas and electricity or eat.
"And what's more, we predict this is only going to get worse."
The Daily Bread Food Larder was among the Christian organisations that attended the Churches Together North East Lincolnshire's presentation on "Do we do enough for our volunteers?".
Also present were Street Angels and Volunteer Action North East Lincolnshire (Vanel).
Sarah continued: "This looks set to be our highest parcel rate yet. Because of the increase in demand we need to try to expand the charity and get more food donated and more volunteers to help out."
CTNEL sponsors the Daily Bread Food Larder and the Street Angels.
Canon Andrew Dodd, lead for CTNEL, is now working with them to see how else they can help.
He said: "We ask a lot of our volunteers. We ask them to help the church and at the same time, ask them to express their Christian beliefs by getting involved in projects like the Daily Bread Food Larder and the Street Angels.
"Today we are asking ourselves how we can help them to make sure they feel valued and are able to continue their good work.
"The need for services like the Daily Bread Food Larder is increasing in these difficult economic times.
"The demand on them is high and it is vital that these are supported by the churches and the wider community because if they were not there, it would mean crisis for a lot of people."
Can you help?
If you want to get involved in the Daily Bread Food Larder, call Sarah on 01472 232310.
