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Recent data from the Trussell Trust reveals that more than 3.1 million emergency food parcels were distributed by food banks from April 2023 to March 2024, marking an unprecedented high.

Unfortunately, food banks have become a crucial component of the social safety net in the UK. An increasing number of individuals are depending on these services, but this rise merely scratches the surface of the underlying issues that leave many unable to provide adequate meals for themselves and their families. The situation in Okehampton reflects this broader trend.

About food banks

Food banks thrive on the dedication of volunteers and the kindness of donations from individuals, businesses, and various organisations. Many people turn to food banks during challenging times when their budgets cannot accommodate food expenses.

This situation often arises from job loss, unforeseen bills, or health challenges. In addition to addressing immediate food needs, food banks highlight deeper societal issues such as poverty, inadequate wages, and insufficient benefits, which can hinder families and individuals from making ends meet.

The escalating cost of living is intensifying the strain on food banks, as an increasing number of people find it difficult to manage essential costs. There are numerous food banks throughout the nation, with many operating independently.

Food bank referrals triple

Since 2020, the referrals we receive for assistance have increased more than threefold. All our referrals are from outside charities. The upward trend started in December 2023, reaching its highest point in March 2024. We are experiencing a surge in referrals during the winter months, as financial strains intensify due to elevated energy costs.

Why us the food bank?

Individuals seek our assistance for a variety of common challenges, primarily stemming from low income, cuts to benefits, and mounting debt. These issues are often interconnected, with financial strain leading to increased debt levels. The most frequent concerns we encounter revolve around benefits, housing, and debt-related problems.

Recently, we have observed that a significant portion of those we assist are unable to work due to health issues, followed by the unemployed and then those who are still in the workforce, including seniors. The escalating cost of living is impacting a broader range of individuals, even those who are employed, making it increasingly difficult for them to manage essential expenses within their limited income. 

Will the demand for food banks decrease in 2025

Numerous news reports have pointed out a decline in inflation in the first month of the year, leading to optimism that this could indicate a resolution to the cost-of-living crisis. Nevertheless, a decrease in the inflation rate does not equate to falling prices; rather, prices are still rising, albeit at a slower pace. Inflation has increased to 4% since the 1st of January.

The real end to this crisis will only come when prices level off and wages or social security benefits rise sufficiently to match the cost of living. Regrettably, this situation has yet to materialize, and the demand for food banks is expected to persist throughout the UK, including in Okehampton. 

Helping the Food Bank.

Community Links presence at the food bank is strategic in addressing some of the root causes of food bank use and accessing a range of services and support for families and individuals in Devon and the South West.

We are also blessed to have Citizens Advice as neighbours and the presence of these two helpful charities in the Ockment Centre working closely with the food bank is a wonderful resource for the families we serve.

You can support us by helping a family today. Every gift helps.

A Fresh Start for One Okehampton Man.

Last week, the Okehampton Food Bank witnessed an inspiring moment that highlights the power of community support. A man who had relied on the food bank for some time walked into the hall—not with desperation, but with a beaming smile.

His exciting news? He had just found a job!

For months, he had struggled to make ends meet. The Okehampton Food Bank became his lifeline, providing essential food support, encouragement, and kindness. Volunteers welcomed him every week with warmth and understanding, never with judgment. But last week, he returned—not to seek help, but to share his victory.

“This place helped me keep going,” he said, smiling. “Now, I finally feel like I’m getting back on my feet.”

His new job represents a fresh start—not just financially, but emotionally. It’s a step toward regaining independence and stability, with hopes of giving back to the same food bank that supported him during difficult times.

For the Okehampton Food Bank volunteers, his success story serves as a powerful reminder of their mission:
“This is what it’s all about—helping people through their struggles so they can find hope again.”

The Impact of Food Banks on Local Communities

Food banks like The Okehampton Food Bank do more than provide meals—they offer hope, dignity, and a path to a better future. This heartwarming story is proof that community support can change lives, one person at a time.

How You Can Help: Donate or Volunteer

The need for food banks is greater than ever. Every week, families and individuals in Okehampton rely on food support to get through tough times. You can make a difference:

✅ Donate food or essentials – Every item counts! Non-perishable foods, toiletries, and baby supplies are always in demand and can be left in our collection basket in Waitrose.
✅ Make a financial contribution – Even a small donation helps keep the food bank stocked and running.
✅ Volunteer your time – Join the dedicated team helping those in need. Whether sorting food, distributing supplies, or offering support, your help is invaluable.

Together, we can ensure that no one in our community goes hungry.


The Okehampton Food Bank demonstrated true community spirit this week, as they opened their doors on Thursday despite the challenging winter weather conditions.

Although the town was blanketed in a heavy layer of snow, Malcolm, a dedicated volunteer at the food bank, was adamant not to let the inclement weather deter them from fulfilling their mission to support local families in need.

Julie from the Ockment Community Centre, also trudged through heavy snow to ensure the food bank could access its vital supply of resources stored onsite.

Thanks to these efforts struggling households in Okehampton were able to receive the nourishing food and essential supplies they rely on, a true testament to the power of community in action.

No problems parking ay Lidl!

Even in the face of adversity posed by the unexpected snowstorm, the Okehampton Food Bank working with The Ockment Community Centre rose to the occasion, braving the elements to deliver hope and sustenance to those who needed it most, underlining the profound impact that selfless community service can have, especially during the most challenging of times.

North St

The term “food insecurity” is often used in the press and online, but what does it mean? To determine if a household requires emergency food assistance, they are considered food insecure and financially strained if their available resources fall more than 25% below the poverty threshold defined by the Social Metrics Commission.

This poverty line is calculated based on a family’s total financial means, including their income, housing costs, savings, and other essential expenses like childcare and debt payments. By accounting for these comprehensive factors, the poverty threshold accurately reflects the actual financial resources people have to cover their basic living costs. In practice, when determining who is in poverty, the Commission’s approach is to set a poverty line specific to the needs of each family. This means that each family’s available resources can be compared directly with their poverty line to determine whether they are in poverty.

The poverty line varies based on household size. For example, the threshold for a single person would differ from that of a couple or a couple with two children.

The poverty lines in 2021/22 show that a single childless person with less than £177 a week in available income would be considered to be in poverty. For a childless couple, the poverty threshold is £305 a week, while for a couple with two children, the threshold increases to £494 a week. Some groups across society are bearing the burden more than most.

Over half (53%) of those experiencing hunger, hardship and food insecurity live in households with a disabled family member. One-third (32%) of single-parent families face food insecurity and financial strain. Children under 5 years old have the highest risk of hunger and hardship at 24% compared to other age groups.

The Trussell Trust report highlights the urgent need for a new metric to understand the issue of emergency food assistance, which they have termed “hunger and hardship.” This measure not only accounts for those currently relying on food banks but also identifies individuals, who are likely to be at high risk of becoming dependent on them in the future. A crucial strategy for reducing this reliance is to enhance people’s financial resources, enabling them to withstand unexpected challenges like job loss or sudden expenses without turning to food banks.

Their data shows that food insecurity currently affects 9.3 million people in the UK, including 6.3 million adults and 3 million children. This means that one in seven individuals and one in five children are experiencing food deprivation. Alarmingly, the levels of food insecurity have risen by over a third compared to two decades ago.

To determine the need for emergency food assistance, a household is considered food insecure and financially strained if its available resources fall more than 25% below the poverty threshold defined by the Social Metrics Commission. This poverty line is calculated based on a family’s total financial means, including their income, housing costs, savings, and other essential expenses such as childcare and debt repayments. By accounting for these comprehensive factors, the poverty threshold accurately reflects the actual financial resources people have to cover their basic living costs.

Using national statistics this means there are approximately 650 people in Okehampton affected by hardship.

Uncover the truth – read the report

READ THE FULL REPORT HERE

Trussell, in collaboration with WPI Economics and Humankind Research, has initiated an innovative project that investigates the full extent of the UK’s emergency food requirements, the societal implications, and the potential effects of various solutions. This first report aims to provide solid evidence to support meaningful initiatives in addressing hunger and hardship across the country, working towards a future where food banks are no longer necessary.

A subsequent report is set to be released in Spring 2025, which will explore in greater detail the personal, social, and economic impacts of food insecurity and material deprivation. The findings will be based on comprehensive participatory research reflecting the daily experiences of those facing these issues, along with economic analysis that quantifies the cascading costs incurred by individuals, communities, and governments.

The report writers looked at four main areas…

  • How we define the full scale of need for emergency food, measured by our ‘hunger and hardship’
  • The scale of hunger and hardship across the UK, including historic and future trends
  • Who is most likely to face hunger and hardship
  • Impact assessments of a range of policies, including the fiscal cost and the impact on the scale of hunger and hardship.

Further summary to follow