Looking back: April to December 2024 at Chichester District Foodbank

From April to December 2024, we supported 4,657 people, with 39% of them being children. Demand for our food parcels grew by 2.8% compared to 2023.

These numbers tell a lot about the challenges people in our community are facing. Let’s break it down:

What the numbers mean

• A rise in unique households: There’s been a 9.4% increase in new households turning to us for help. This shows that food insecurity is affecting more people, including those who might not have struggled before.
• More first-time referrals: A 14.7% jump in first-timers suggests rising living costs and financial crises are hitting families hard, pushing them to seek help for the first time.
• Fewer repeat visits: Average visit frequency dropped by 9.4%, which could mean our signposting services are working – helping people find long-term solutions so they don’t need to return as often. We’ll keep tracking this to see if it’s a lasting trend.

Why people need us

The top three reasons people turned to us:

1. Rising costs of essentials – Over 30% of people came to us because the basics – food, energy, and housing – are just too expensive.
2. Health struggles – Ongoing physical or mental health challenges put extra strain on household budgets.
3. Priority debts – People juggling rent, energy bills, or council tax arrears often find themselves without enough left for food.

Winter: a tough time for many

Winter is one of the hardest times for families and individuals in crisis. High energy bills, the financial strain of Christmas, and increasing debts mean more people are turning to us for support.

How you can help

We’re here to ensure no one goes hungry, but we can’t do it without you. There are plenty of ways to make a difference:

• Donate food – Every tin and packet helps. Check our website for our most-needed items.
• Give financially – Regular donations let us provide targeted support to those who need it most.
• Volunteer with us – Whether it’s packing parcels or helping at our centers, your time makes a real impact.
• Partner with us – Support from local businesses is crucial to keeping our foodbank running. Join us in tackling food poverty right here in our community.

Together, we can keep tackling food poverty and continue to help our community out of crisis.

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