This Xmas the Good Penguin is raising money for The Trussell Trust, an organisation that supports a nationwide network of more than 1,300 food banks (approximately two thirds of the food banks in the UK). The food banks, supported by thousands of volunteers, provide both emergency food to people in crisis as well as practical support to those that need it. The effects of the pandemic, cost of living crisis and policy changes to Universal Credit have contributed to the 82% increase in food parcels distributed over the past 5 years. Despite this increased demand, the charity’s vision is to remove the need for food banks rather than see food banks as ‘the new normal’ – more details about their approach can be found in their strategic plan.
Jenny Heritage tells, a community and events engagement assistant at The Trussell Trust, tells us that “Between 1 April 2022 and 30 September 2022, food banks in the Trussell Trust’s UK-wide network distributed 1.3 million food parcels to people facing hardship – this is an increase of 52% compared to the same period in 2019. Half a million of these parcels were distributed to children. One in five people referred to food banks in the Trussell Trust’s network are in households where someone is working. For the first time, need for emergency food is outstripping donations as the cost of living emergency is leading to a drastic increase in the number of people turning to food banks for support. That’s why we’re incredibly thankful that you are standing alongside us, food banks, and people in financial crisis.”.
This year the Good Penguin has made a contribution to the charity through our JustGiving page and we’re encouraging others, like yourself, to support us by making a contribution this Xmas.
Here is a link to our JustGiving page:
https://www.justgiving.com/page/the-good-penguin-christmas-2022