November 14, 2021 8.35 am This story is over 28 months old

Grimsby charity appeal: Help to feed the vulnerable this Christmas

Food bank expecting Christmas rush as people go into debt
Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

A Grimsby food bank is expecting to see more people asking for help over Christmas.

The Rock Foundation traditionally sees people encounter difficulties after going into debt over the festive period.

Pam Hodge, the founder of the food bank, said they hope to be able to offer Christmas hampers for hungry people.

She has appealed for donations to help meet the increase in recipients.

“We often see more requests for help as we get closer to Christmas – it is a very tough time for a lot of people,” Pam said.

“People want to spend money on toys for their kids and might take out loans to cover it. By January, they are in debt and may need our help to get through.

“We try to give everyone a hamper with a full Christmas dinner around this year.

“Ideally, we would like to provide them with chicken, stuffing, cranberry sauce, ham, and biscuits or chocolates.

“It means a lot for people to receive all the little extras.”

Fears that cuts to Universal Credit could push more people to food banks haven’t yet materialised, according to the food bank.

The temporary £20 a week uplift, which began during the pandemic, has now ended despite calls to make it permanent.

This could leave low-paid people £1000 a year worse off.

The Grimsby food bank distributes bags of enough food to last a person or family in crisis for around three days.

The food bank is keen to receive donations of long-life milk, cereal, pasta, soup, sandwich fillings, juice cordial and rice pudding.

These can be dropped off at the food bank or at the site on Heneage Road from Monday to Friday.

Monetary donations can also be made through the Rock Foundation website.