Dad facing difficult summer as food donations plunge
Summary
A single father in Castle Cary is struggling to feed his family due to fewer food donations and the end of free supermarket vouchers for families with children on free school meals during holidays. Local charities and food banks have reported record low donations and face challenges meeting demand during the ongoing cost of living crisis.Key Facts
- Matthew, a father of two, relies on the Millbrook Hub community larder up to three times a week.
- The cost of living increase has made it hard for him to buy food, sometimes leaving nothing for himself.
- Somerset Council ended a scheme that gave supermarket vouchers during school holidays to families on free school meals.
- The council offers food vouchers through a new Crisis and Resilience Fund.
- Donations to the community larder and food banks have fallen sharply, causing staff to buy more food themselves.
- The Trussell Trust food bank in the region is distributing more purchased food than donated food for the first time.
- Food bank managers report stock levels are at their lowest in years, making it difficult to maintain supply.
- Somerset Council acknowledges ongoing financial pressure on families and supports local partnerships to provide food aid.
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