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Hull Foodbank says it is seeing more people experience food poverty for the first time

Hull Foodbank says it is seeing more first time users and demand is expected to increase

Hull Foodbank, which is part of the Trussell Trust network, says it is seeing more people experience food poverty for the first time and that demand is expected to increase. Trustee, Steve Whittington, told 91热爆 Political Reporter Sarah Sanderson that they've noticed new people coming into Hull Foodbank who have never accessed the service before. He says "These are people who have been furloughed or made redundant recently or they've had a cut in working hours meaning they are experiencing food poverty for the first time." He adds "Hull Foodbank expects the demand to rise over the coming months as businesses stop the furlough system for many of their staff and maybe realise they cannot have the full staff capacity that they've had before. So we are expecting new people to be users of Hull Foodbank." Although their priority is to feed people, they say donations of things like toiletries, nappies and hand sanitisers are always gratefully received. They're even asking for donations of face coverings at this particular time. Russ Barlow, Manager of Hull Foodbank, says "It is the donations that allow us to do this work, we're so grateful. When people come to us to receive the food there are often tears. We're almost a last resort for people and when people realise that there are other people around them who are willing to donate food just to help them through a short term crisis I think it really affects people and it does make a difference." He adds "Often there are times when we won't hear from people again once they've used the service and that's always a good sign because it means we've helped them through that immediate crisis and hopefully back on their feet." hull.foodbank.org.uk

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