Mayor of Lewisham launches new foodbank in Forest Hill

A town hall has opened up new food bank donation points as charities release figures showing an increase in their use.

Lewisham council has announced that new donation points for Lewisham Food Bank – which can be found in Forest Hill – will be installed on council premises such as the Town Hall and council-run libraries.

Figures from the Trussell Trust show a 23.3 percent increased reliance on their food banks in Lewisham compared to the year before with 7,816 three day emergency food supplies handed out between April 2018 and March 2019.

Carol Bostridge, co-ordinator for Lewisham Food Bank, said: “No one should have to face going hungry in our society. Unfortunately, more people across the country are finding themselves in crisis and having to rely on food banks.

We are grateful for the Mayor of Lewisham for visiting us and his support, as the generosity of residents and local organisations is vital to running our food bank.”

Damien Egan, Mayor of Lewisham, said: “Austerity is hitting Lewisham hard. The Tory government has presided over a shocking rise of food bank use and the roll-out of Universal Credit is making it even harder for people to make ends meet.

“Food banks are not a solution to food poverty and we need a fundamental change in government policy to tackle the inequalities in our society.

“However, by working closely with our voluntary and community sector, we can provide a lifeline for our most vulnerable residents.

“As a campaigning council, we will continue to urge the Tory Government to reverse its damaging cuts and reform Universal Credit, so that our most vulnerable residents are protected from austerity.”

You can find out how to donate to the Lewisham Food Bank here: https://lewisham.foodbank.org.uk/give-help/donate-food/