Boston Foodbank is urging people in the Borough of Boston to support their community this Harvest time, after the charity’s end of year stats report, published earlier this year, revealed that in the past 5 years, there’s been a 51% increase in the number of emergency food parcels needed by people in the UK, with 1 million emergency food parcels being distributed to children in 2024/25 alone.
Fr David Stephenson, Rector at Boston Stump where Boston Foodbank is based, says that any way local people can support – from volunteering to donations or raising awareness – will make a big difference for the people accessing the foodbank.
Sheelagh, a volunteer who works with people visiting the Foodbank says: “This Harvest season, we are reaching out to our local community to help support our work to break the burden of isolation on those in hardship, so that no one feels alone in their journey.
“For many of the people who receive our support, walking through the doors of the food bank is one of the few social interactions they will have that week. We have become increasingly aware that we are not just providing them with food but also the hope of a welcome and connection. We need the help of the community during Harvest to continue to address hunger in Boston and provide the warmth of hospitality to those who have nothing or no one else to lean on.”
Over the last year, food banks in the Trussell community have experienced record levels of need as more people struggle to afford the essentials and it is likely that this situation will only worsen this winter – so this Harvest is a particularly important time for local communities to support the foodbank.
Locals are urged to help in many ways including:
- Donating non-perishable goods, such as canned goods, pasta, rice, and hygiene products.
- Financial contributions, which allow the charity to purchase essential items and maintain its operations efficiently.
Greg was referred to the Boston Foodbank by Help Through Hardship. “I felt so embarrassed about not being able to buy enough food to live on,” Greg said. “I’ve never been in this situation before, but problems had mounted up and I just couldn’t manage. The volunteers at the Foodbank were so kind – it felt like talking to someone who didn’t judge me but who just wanted to help. I’m not sure what I’d have done without their support.” Greg went on to work with case workers at Citizens Advice who helped him access the right support and now he’s living independently again.
Alina also used the food bank last year following a referral from Centrepoint Outreach in Boston. “It was difficult for me arriving in Boston and not knowing anyone,” Alina said. “I was able to have 2 food parcels from the Boston Foodbank until my money and accommodation was sorted out. After that I wanted to help other people who were stuck like I was and now I volunteer on a Thursday at the food bank and help to sort stock and fill bags for food parcels. I wouldn’t want anyone to feel like I did and be anxious about not being able to eat.”
Emma Revie, chief executive at Trussell says: “We know that many people turn to food banks as a last resort and feel embarrassed that they need to ask for help but food banks across the country are there to offer a warm welcome, provide essential items and help people access services that can lift them out of poverty.
“By coming together and supporting the Boston Foodbank this Harvest and through to winter you are not just offering a meal – you are extending a hand of friendship, combating isolation, and helping to provide an environment where everyone is valued.”
