Ludlow charity sees increase in demand for food parcels

Organisers of Ludlow Food Bank said they have already given out more boxes this year than in the whole of last year, and they believe the changes have already caused 'difficulties' to those in need.

Ruth Davies food bank co-ordinator said: "By far the most common reason for needing a food parcel is problems or delays in receiving benefit payments. Universal Credit is now being rolled out fully for residents of Ludlow. It is quite complicated. Not everyone will have to apply for Universal Credit.

"For the first five weeks after claiming there will be no payment at all. The claimant can take out a loan against their future payments, but that then leaves them short of money for some time unless they get a good job.

"If they are not in full time employment, they must be seeking work and will have to travel to Leominster every week for the first 13 weeks to see their job coach. The travel expenses will also not be reimbursed unless the person lives over an hour away door-to-door from the nearest Job Centre Plus. Leominster is less than an hour away even by bus.

"These changes are causing difficulties. We were helping one couple who did not get any payments for 12 weeks."

More than 87 per cent of the boxes handed out by Ludlow Food Bank have been given to people living within the town.

January was the busiest month although August and September had not been far behind.

In a bid to help more people, the food bank has launched a number of new initiatives.

They will be including bread, recipe cards and fruit and veg vouchers in the boxes and have also placed a collection box in the Ludlow branch of Tesco so that any people wishing to donate can do so without visiting the food bank.

Ruth added: "There has been a shift in the way people donate food to us. Previously we have been blessed with sufficient food to mostly match the amount of food we give away.

"Recently some people have preferred to give us regular monetary gifts instead – tinned food can be very heavy and awkward to bring to us. This still works, although sometimes we have had to do two or three large shops in a week. We can however keep a check on our stocks and buy what is needed. Without those donations we could not give food away."

The largest percentage of boxes were given to single men and so far this year 333 different new people have received a food parcel – equating to around three per cent of people living in Ludlow. 165 children have also benefitted from the service.