Fewer ticket partners available to make referrals, but praise for work of our volunteers.
After the intense activity of December, when we provided food for 4,005 meals for 445 people, January was a much quieter month.
The total of 2,565 meals for 285 people was our lowest for 18 months, and our quietest January since 2019.
This would be welcome news if it was a sign that fewer people may be needing our emergency food support. However, it could be at least partly due to reduced availability of some of our ticket partners to make referrals during and immediately after the Christmas/New Year period.
The downturn in need could be short-lived. On Saturday 1st February, the first of eight delivery sessions scheduled for this month, we provided 530 meals for 59 people.
Meanwhile our ticket partners have expressed gratitude from themselves and their clients for our food parcels. One partner, from a local secondary school, told us in January:
Thank you for confirming the delivery of the fourth emergency food parcel to [name of family]. Your dedication and compassion in providing this essential support are deeply appreciated.
I’m certain it has made a significant difference to them during this challenging time. [Your letter with details of further support available] is a thoughtful gesture and will undoubtedly be invaluable in guiding [the family] toward accessing further help through Purley Food Stop if needed.
I’m also grateful for the efforts of your Client Support Volunteers in reaching out to offer additional assistance – this truly embodies the spirit of community and care.
Please extend my profound thanks to everyone involved in making this happen. Your commitment to supporting those in need is inspiring, and we are so fortunate to have you as partners in this vital work. 
Another partner emailed: “I spoke with [client] last Thursday and he was very appreciative and thankful for the food deliveries from the Hub. Thanks so much and keep up the good work.”
And two others wrote: “Thank you very much for all of your assistance over the Christmas period with our tenant” … “Thank you so much for the update, your help has been incredibly appreciated by the team and [client].”