Lowest figures for six years, but too early to discern a trend as cost of living continues to rise.
Following on from the Food Hub’s quietest January since 2019, we have just had our quietest February for six years also.
February’s total of 2,925 meals for 325 people was 360 meals more than in January, but the two months’ combined total of 5,490 meals was 20 per cent less than in 2024.
Welcome as this may be, it is too early to identify any trend and we do expect a busier spring as families struggling to meet rising food prices are further hit by increased energy, water and council tax costs from April.
But thanks to our supporters’ generosity and our volunteers’ dedication , we are confident that we will be able to meet future changes.
At the session on Saturday 1st March the team packed and delivered food for 44 people at 19 different addresses across the south of the borough – a total of just under 400 meals.
One driver, Phil, kindly returned to a client’s home just after 7.00pm after his attempts in the morning to deliver the family’s 12 food bags went unanswered. She was very grateful!
Our clients are always grateful for the help that we are able to provide, and one thanked us in a card: “To everyone at Purley Food Hub, thank you for everything you do for everyone that is struggling. Every one of you are amazing – there should be more people like you all.”