A somewhat quieter week for our centres with some centres having one visitor! We do hope this is hopefully a good sign of people becoming less reliant on Foodbanks. 

We also have undertaken alot of work to ensure our system is not abused.

We had another corporate volunteer come into help in our Warehouse with DP World sending a small team to help out in our Warehouse.

This has enabled Ceri to get the Warehouse even more organised, not just Pet Food, but Cat Food, Dog Food etc and not just toiletries, but Shower Gel, Shampoo, Conditioner etc.

The Essentials Guarantee

The basic rate of Universal Credit should at least cover the cost of essentials like food, household bills and travel costs, but it is not currently set according to any objective assessment of what people need.
Right now, this is only £85 a week for a single adult. That means there’s a significant shortfall between people’s living costs and their income, which is forcing many to skip meals, switch off essential appliances such as fridges, and unable to pay essential bills.
That’s why the Trussell Trust are working with the Joseph Rowntree Foundation to call for an Essentials Guarantee within Universal Credit, which means the basic rate at least covers life’s essentials and that support can never be pulled below that level.

Food banks across the UK are doing all we can to support our community, and whilst here in Thurrock we are bucking the trend, and demand is slightly lower, we have still served over 7,000 people across Thurrock, since 1st April 2023.
The solution is for our social security system that is fit for purpose. More than 150,000 people signed a petition calling for an Essentials Guarantee that was presented to Downing Street this week. Please see attached the video

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/f6qbuWsruBHFf7Gc/?mibextid=KsPBc6

It is quite noticeable that donations from the general public are down and sadly we are still short of some of the most essential items to make up a balanced food parcel, these items include:

Jams & Spreads

Jellies,

Sponge Puddings

Angel delight etc
Squash
Mash
Tinned Meats
Tinned Fish

Your continued support really does make a difference, and we do see blessings each day in our work.

If you require any further information regarding our work or would to discuss any aspect of our work in more detail, please do not hesitate to contact me,

Thank you all for your continued support. It is really appreciated

Best Regards