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Across the UK, many people have noticed that the weekly food shop costs more than it did a year ago. Official figures from the Office for National Statistics show that UK food prices increased by around 4–5% over the past year.

Families on lower incomes spend a larger share of their budget on essentials such as food and energy, which means price increases affect them more strongly than the average household. In addition, cheaper supermarket products have often increased faster than premium brands, meaning poorer shoppers can face higher inflation on the items they actually buy.

However, the real increase for many households in Okehampton and West Devon is likely to be higher.

When other factors are taken into account — including skimpflation, shrinkflation, added water or fillers in products, and the fact that many items used to calculate national inflation are simply unaffordable for poorer households — the real cost of maintaining the same diet may be closer to 7–10% for many families, and sometimes higher for those relying heavily on basic staple foods.

This difference between official statistics and everyday experience helps explain why rising food prices are being felt so strongly in communities like Okehampton.

What Is Skimpflation?

Skimpflation happens when the price of a product stays similar, but the quality or ingredients are reduced.

For example:

  • A ready meal may contain less meat and more sauce
  • Drinks may include more water or filler
  • Recipes may use cheaper ingredients

The price on the shelf may appear the same, but shoppers receive less nutritional value or lower-quality food for their money.

What Is Shrinkflation?

Shrinkflation occurs when the size or quantity of a product becomes smaller while the price stays the same.

For example:

  • A packet of biscuits may contain fewer biscuits
  • A chocolate bar may weigh less
  • A bag of pasta may hold a smaller amount

Because the packaging often looks the same, these changes can be difficult to notice.

Why Rising Food Prices Matter in Okehampton

When food prices rise, skimpflation and shrinkflation occur at the same time, and the real cost of feeding a household can rise faster than official inflation figures suggest.

For families in Okehampton and across West Devon, these pressures can make it harder to afford enough food each week.

At Okehampton Foodbank, we see the impact of rising food prices on local families every day. Many people seeking support are working households, pensioners, or individuals facing unexpected financial difficulties.

Supporting Families in Okehampton

Okehampton Foodbank exists to support people in our community who are experiencing food insecurity.


If you would like to help, you can:

Community support makes a real difference and helps ensure that everyone in Okehampton has access to food when they need it.

Strengthening Okehampton Food Bank Community Support

Okehampton Food Bank community support has been strengthened over the past year thanks to the generous backing of Okehampton United Charities.

Their funding has enabled us to continue with our dedicated room at the Ockment Centre. As a result, we now have a safe, accessible, and welcoming base for our work. This space helps us respond more quickly and effectively to local families who need help.

Simply put, it has transformed how we operate day to day.


A Safe and Welcoming Space at the Ockment Centre

Because we have a secure base, we can store food safely and organise supplies more efficiently. In turn, distributions run more smoothly and volunteers can focus on supporting people.

At the same time, we’re able to meet clients in private. This ensures conversations remain confidential and respectful.

Most importantly, the room creates a calm and friendly environment. As a result, people feel comfortable, supported, and treated with dignity from the moment they arrive.

More Than Food: Advice and Practical Help

However, food is only part of the support we offer.

Thanks to this dedicated space, advisors from Citizens Advice and Community Links now join us during food bank sessions. Because of this, families can access practical guidance straight away.

They can get help with:

  • Benefits
  • Debt and money worries
  • Housing concerns
  • Health and wellbeing
  • Accessing longer-term support

So, alongside emergency food, people receive advice and clear next steps. Together, this joined-up approach provides both immediate relief and the tools they need to move forward with confidence.

The Impact of Community Partnership in Okehampton

Importantly, the support of Okehampton United Charities has strengthened the daily running of the Food Bank. In turn, it has provided reassurance to the many residents who rely on us.

Meanwhile, demand for food support continues to grow across Okehampton and the surrounding area. Because of this, strong partnerships are more important than ever.

Community backing like this doesn’t just help in the short term. Instead, it builds lasting Okehampton Food Bank community support that benefits everyone.

Thank You to Our Supporters

Of course, we couldn’t do this work alone.

We depend on the kindness of local organisations, businesses, volunteers, and residents. Every donation, referral, and hour given makes a real difference.

We’re especially grateful to Okehampton United Charities for recognising the value of our service and helping us continue our work with care, dignity, and compassion.

How You Can Support Okehampton Food Bank

If you’d like to be part of the Okehampton Food Bank community support, there are many ways to help:

  • Donate food or funds
  • Volunteer your time
  • Partner with us as a local organisation
  • Contact us if you or someone you know needs support

Together, we can ensure no one in Okehampton faces hardship alone.

From Everyone at Okehampton Food Bank

Thank you to Okehampton United Charities and to everyone in our community who helps make this work possible.

With your support, we can continue providing vital food, advice, and hope to local people when they need it most.

From all of us at Okehampton Food Bank — thank you.

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Okehampton Food Bank gives heartfelt thanks to Okehampton United Charities for their generous support this past year. Their funding lets us use a dedicated room at the Ockment Centre. As a result, we now have a safe, accessible, and welcoming base for our work.

With this secure space, we store and distribute food more efficiently. In addition, we meet clients in private and offer a warm environment to anyone who needs help.

The room also lets us bring in advisors from Citizens Advice and Community Links during our sessions. Moreover, families and individuals receive both emergency food and practical guidance on benefits, debt, housing, and wellbeing. Therefore, people can work toward longer-term solutions, not just immediate relief.

Okehampton United Charities strengthens our daily operations. Meanwhile, their support gives reassurance to the many local people who rely on us.

We depend on the kindness of local organisations, businesses, and residents. Furthermore, we appreciate Okehampton United Charities for recognising the value of this service and helping us offer support with dignity and compassion.

Demand continues to grow. However, strong community partnerships help us meet this challenge. With this support, we respond more effectively and ensure no one in Okehampton or the surrounding area faces hardship alone.

From everyone at Okehampton Food Bank: thank you.

Okehampton Foodbank remains committed to offering completely free support to local people in crisis. Discover why the charity refuses to charge for essential help,  and how the community can continue to make this vital service possible.

Commitment to Compassion and Fairness

Okehampton Foodbank stands firm in its belief that no one facing hardship should be asked to pay for essential support. Charging for help would place an unfair burden on individuals and families already struggling to make ends meet. By keeping its services free, the foodbank removes financial barriers and ensures everyone can access support with dignity.

Support Without Barriers

The charity’s mission is clear: provide food and assistance to the most vulnerable members of the community at no cost. Hardship is challenging enough without added fees. Okehampton Foodbank aims to help people move forward, not hold them back, a core principle that sets it apart from organisations introducing paid models.

Community Support and Sustainability

The foodbank’s ability to stay free is made possible by the generosity of donors, volunteers, and community partners. Every donation of food, funds, or time helps sustain this vital service for local people.

Upholding Dignity in Times of Crisis

A spokesperson explains:

“In times of crisis, people need compassion, dignity, and support,  not another financial barrier. Our mission has always been to provide food and help to those who need it most, free of charge. We will never put a price on basic human needs.”

They add:

“Hardship is difficult enough without the added burden of costs. We are here to help people move forward, not to set them back.”

How to Support Okehampton Foodbank

The foodbank depends on continuous community generosity. Anyone wishing to help can:

  • Donate food or toiletries
  • Volunteer time
  • Make a financial contribution

Okehampton Foodbank manages the collection basket in Waitrose Okehampton, and remains deeply grateful to customers and staff for their ongoing support. Donations placed in the basket are collected regularly by volunteers.

Those wishing to donate financially can use the bank details below:

Account Name: The Okehampton Food Bank
Account Number: 53504463
Sort Code: 30-99-50
Bank: Lloyds

Thank you for supporting this essential community service.

How Okehampton pulls together to fight hunger.

When Sarah* (name changed) walked through the doors of Okehampton Foodbank for the first time, she admits she was terrified.

“I thought I’d be judged, that people would look down on me for not being able to feed my kids,” she said. “But instead, they welcomed me with a smile. They made me feel human again.”

Stories like Sarah’s are becoming increasingly common. In the past two years alone, demand at Okehampton Foodbank has risen by an extraordinary 94 per cent a year over the last three years. Behind every statistic is a family facing difficulty, often through no fault of their own, whether it’s sudden illness, job loss, or delayed benefits.

What sets the foodbank apart, say those who use it, is how it treats people. There are no lectures, no shame. Volunteers meet families with dignity and respect, and support continues for as long as needed.

“We never want anyone to feel like they’re taking charity,” said Malcolm, the foodbank’s coordinator. “Our aim is to treat everyone with kindness and to walk alongside them until they’re steady again. Sometimes that’s a few weeks, sometimes longer – and that’s okay. It’s what we do, and what we have done since 2008.”

Volunteers echo that message.

“It could be any of us,” said Jon, who helps with fresh fruit and vegetables.

“Life can turn upside down so quickly. I always think, if I were in that situation, how would I want people to treat me? With respect. With dignity. That’s the heart of what we do.”

Beyond the foodbank, Okehampton has built other layers of support. At the Ockment Centre, volunteers stock the Community Fridge daily with surplus food that would otherwise go to waste. Anyone can walk in and help themselves. Parents stopping by after school often pick up fruit and vegetables, while older residents come for bread and milk.

“It feels like sharing, not charity,”

said Lucy, a local mum who uses the fridge regularly.

“You take what you need, and if you’ve got something spare at home, you can put it in. It’s neighbourly.”

The Devon and Cornwall Food Action pop-up hub also adds support, arriving once a month at Okehampton Rugby Club, organised by Rotary Okehampton. For £30, families can pre-order a generous bag of fresh and cupboard staples. “It’s amazing how much you get,” said Paul, a father of three. “It takes the pressure off for a couple of weeks, especially when bills are stacking up.”

Each project meets a different need. The foodbank provides a safety net in moments of crisis, offering compassion and steady aid. The community fridge adds flexibility while reducing waste. The pop-up hub offers affordable groceries in bulk for families struggling week to week but not in immediate crisis.

Together, they tell a story of a town pulling together—volunteers giving time, families helping one another, and organisations working side by side. In Okehampton, hunger is met not with judgment but with community, kindness, and the promise that no one has to face it alone.

Names changed to protect privacy.

When Sarah* walked into Okehampton Foodbank for the first time, she felt terrified. “I thought people would judge me for not being able to feed my kids,” she said. “But instead, someone smiled and welcomed me. They made me feel human again.”

However, Sarah’s story isn’t unique. In the past two years, demand at Okehampton Foodbank has surged by 94%. Families hit by illness, job loss, or delayed benefits now rely on its help more than ever.

So, what makes this foodbank different? The answer is simple: people. Volunteers consistently treat everyone with dignity and kindness, never with shame.

“We walk alongside people until they’re steady again,” explained the coordinator.

In addition, Jon, a volunteer, shared his perspective:

“It could be any of us. Life can change overnight. I just ask myself—how would I want to be treated? With respect.”

Yet Okehampton’s response extends far beyond the foodbank itself.

  • Community Fridge at the Ockment Centre – stocked daily with surplus food that anyone can take. Parents often grab fruit after school, while older residents pick up bread and milk.

  • Devon and Cornwall Food Action pop-up hub – held monthly at the rugby club and organised by Rotary Okehampton. Families can pre-order a £30 bag filled with fresh and cupboard staples.

As a result, each project meets a different need: the foodbank offers crisis support, the fridge encourages sharing while cutting waste, and the hub delivers affordable groceries.

Ultimately, together they tell a story of a town pulling together—neighbours helping neighbours, volunteers giving their time, and organisations working side by side.

In Okehampton, hunger meets not with judgment, but instead with community, kindness, and the promise that no one has to face it alone

If you find that you need help from the Foodbank, then please pop in and see us. We can be found in the Ockment Centre every Thursday morning. We have professional advisors on hand to help with any problems you might be facing, so do come and see us.

If you would like to support the work of the Food Bank, then follow this link to our donations page

Names changed to protect privacy.

Are CIC’s Charities?

What That Means for Community Support in Okehampton and making the most of your donations.

Open the door to donations

We’ve had a few questions recently about the difference between Community Interest Companies (CICs) and Charities, so we wanted to help clear things up; especially for those looking to support local causes such as The Okehampton Food Bank.

CICs (Community Interest Companies) aren’t charities. While they do important work and aim to benefit the community, they operate as companies, not charities.


Charities, like The Okehampton Food Bank, register with the Charity Commission and must meet strict requirements for public benefit and charitable purpose. They also qualify for tax reliefs such as Gift Aid. Charities put all money directly into charitable work, with no profits and no shareholders.

CICs follow different regulations. They can pay directors and distribute some profits (within certain limits). Although many CICs carry out fantastic work, they don’t qualify for the same tax benefits as registered charities.

One key difference many donors overlook is that CICs cannot claim Gift Aid on donations. This makes a real impact, when you donate to a CIC, the organisation receives only what you give. But when you donate to a charity like The Okehampton Food Bank, the government adds 25% to your donation through Gift Aid. For example, if you give £100 to a registered charity like ours, the charity receives £125, significantly boosting the vital work we do.

Understanding these differences matters because they determine how your donation is used and what tax advantages apply. When you support a registered charity, your donation goes further, and you can give confidently, knowing the charity operates under strict regulations for public good. This level of oversight ensures transparency and accountability, both essential when helping those in need.

By supporting a registered charity like The Okehampton Food Bank, you help ensure that every penny directly serves the public good, with complete transparency and proper oversight.

If you wish to donate food items, you can find our current list of needed items HERE

Why We Use a Food Bank Referral System – Ensuring Fairness, Support, and Sustainability

First, local referral agencies, such as Citizens Advice in the Ockment Centre, Community Links, NHS services, Devon County Council, social workers, GPs, schools, and other local charities, work closely with individuals in crisis. These trusted partners help us identify people who are genuinely in need of emergency food support. By working together, we can ensure our resources go to those facing food poverty, financial hardship, or unexpected life challenges.



Additionally, We Offer Holistic Support Not Just Food

Our referral partners do more than send someone our way. They also provide access to debt advice, housing support, mental health services, and benefits guidance. Therefore, individuals receive well-rounded assistance, addressing not just hunger but the root causes of their hardship.

Moreover, We Help Reduce Long-Term Dependence

By encouraging people to engage with support services, our referral system helps them confront the underlying issues, such as unemployment, illness, or unexpected expenses. This way, they can work toward long-term stability, rather than relying on repeated food aid.


Furthermore, We Manage Resources More Efficiently

Since the Okehampton Food Bank operates with limited donations and funding, we must allocate resources wisely. Through referrals, we prioritise individuals and families in urgent need, ensuring fair and effective distribution of our supplies.

In Addition, We Maintain Accountability and Safeguarding

Trusted referral agencies bring an extra layer of professional oversight. They help us verify each case, prevent fraud, and protect vulnerable people, especially those facing domestic abuse, mental health issues, or housing insecurity. Thus, we deliver food aid ethically and responsibly.

As a Result, We Help Reduce the Stigma of Asking for Help

Many people feel ashamed to ask for food. However, when referred through a trusted agency, they experience support as part of a larger care system from the very beginning. This reduces stigma and helps restore dignity.

Finally, We Use Data to Create Lasting Community Change

Every referral tells a story. We track this information to spot trends, identify the causes of local food poverty, and improve our outreach. Most importantly, we use this data to advocate for policy change and better support for vulnerable households.

At The Okehampton Food Bank, we don’t just hand out food; we build hope, connection, and community.
By using a referral-based food aid model, we ensure that every individual receives not just a week’s supply of nutritious food but a pathway forward.

If you wish to become one of our trusted referral agencies, contact the Coordinator by e-mail.

Okehampton Food Bank would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Okehampton United Charities (OUC) for their generous support this year. Their funding has enabled us to use a dedicated room at the Ockment Centre, providing a safe, accessible, and welcoming space for our vital work.

Having a secure base has greatly improved the way we store and distribute food, meet clients confidentially, and create a warm, welcoming environment for those who need our help. Importantly, this dedicated room has also enabled us to invite advisors from Citizens Advice and Community Links to attend our sessions. As the only food poverty charity used exclusively by both organisations, we are able to ensure that individuals and families not only receive emergency food support but also have direct access to essential guidance on benefits, debt, housing, and wellbeing, helping them move towards longer-term stability.

OUC’s support has strengthened every part of our service. As the only free-to-use food poverty charity serving the Okehampton area, we rely on the generosity of local organisations and donors who share our commitment to supporting those in need.

The funding comes at a crucial time. Demand for our services continues to rise, and OUC’s grant enables us to provide not only essential non-perishable items but also fresh, nutritious food and vital personal hygiene products. For many facing financial hardship, these basic necessities, so important for health, dignity, and well-being, have become increasingly unaffordable.

Thanks to OUC, we are now able to offer a wider range of fresh fruit, vegetables, and dairy products, as well as expand our supply of personal care items such as soap, toothpaste, feminine hygiene products, and baby essentials.

In addition, OUC has generously awarded a 75% grant to cover our main operating costs for the next 12 months. Each week, we see the impact of this support: the gratitude of a parent collecting fresh produce, the relief of someone receiving personal care items they could not otherwise afford, and the restored dignity that comes from meeting basic human needs.

On behalf of everyone at the Okehampton Food Bank and the many people we serve, we extend our deepest thanks to Okehampton United Charities. Your support allows us to continue our vital work with compassion, dignity, and care.

Together, we are making a meaningful difference in the lives of local people.

Okehampton Food Bank
Nourishing Neighbours, Feeding Futures

The spirit of generosity and community shone brightly last weekend. During this time, the Okehampton Food Bank held a successful food drive at Waitrose. In response, local shoppers, backed by the Waitrose team, showed incredible kindness. As a result, the event became a powerful reminder of what a united community can do.

Throughout the day, Waitrose customers gave generously. They filled baskets with essential food and household goods. Items included tins, pasta, toiletries, and treats. Ultimately, these donations will go to people in Okehampton who are facing tough times.

Meanwhile, volunteers from the food bank greeted donors and collected items. They also shared information about their work and gave warm thanks. In addition, the Food Bank’s Trustees added their gratitude. They felt moved by the amount of support.

“We’re incredibly thankful to the people of Okehampton,” said the Chair of the Food Bank. “Your kindness and generosity truly make a difference. Every tin, every packet, every donation helps someone who needs it.”

Equally important, the Waitrose team deserves thanks. They helped organise the day and supported the food bank with real warmth.

Clearly, events like this do more than provide supplies. They build community. More importantly, they show that in Okehampton, we care for each other. We lead with empathy and kindness.

Now, the Food Bank team is sorting the donations. They’re preparing everything for distribution. Once again, they thank everyone who gave what they could. In the end, Saturday proved that even small acts of kindness have a big impact.

Thank you. You’ve made a huge difference.