Cost of living: Slough Foodbank 'grateful' for donations as demand on the rise

Slough Foodbank has seen a 21 per cent increase in the number of food parcels provided compared to the same six months in 2021.

And families are being hit hard as latest figures showed a 37 per cent rise in the number of children being fed.

READ MORE: Readers share frustrations after bank announces two closures later this year

Food bank manager Laura Cole said: "It's a sad reality that we are continuing to see an increase in the number of people in food crisis in and around Slough.

“The cost of living is making a difference to what people can afford and this leads to difficult decisions being made - whether to pay bills, buy clothes or eat food.

“We wish we didn't exist, as we would rather see a country where everyone can afford to put food on their table. However, whilst ever there is a need, we will do our best to support our clients.”

Picture: Slough Foodbank

Ms Cole added she is “extremely grateful” to the donations of food and toiletries that the food bank receives.

She said: “We regularly publish our shopping needs on our website and would encourage people to look at the items we need.”

This month Slough Foodbank is looking for donations of tinned soup, long-life fruit juice, tinned carrots/mixed veg, deodorant and showergel.

ALSO READ: 'Incredible' jacket potato stand celebrates 31 years trading on high street

Ms Cole added: “We also ask for small sized items where possible, as many of our clients either walk or travel by public transport to our distribution centres and the food and basic toiletries parcel gets heavy.

“With increased demand obviously comes a need to meet that demand through volunteers - so if you may be able to help please look on our website for current vacancies which include van drivers and packing and warehouse volunteers."