Image source, Cambridge City Foodbank Image caption, The year ending in 2024 saw a 9% drop, then another 13% in 2025, and finally a 6% drop in 2026 ByHenry Godfrey-Evans Published 2 minutes ago A food bank that has seen a drop in donations of about 10% each year since 2023 is hoping government stockpiling advice will not affect the public's generosity.
Someone eats a meal provided by Cambridge City Foodbank "every two minutes" and it claims to have provided more than 260,000 in the past year.
In October, the government launched its "Be Ready" campaign and encouraged households to stock up with enough non-perishable food and water to survive for three days in case of an emergency.
Chief executive Steve Clay says he does not know if this will affect the Christmas appeal - their busiest period - but confesses: "It is a concern." A government spokesperson said it had "no serious evidence of stockpiling or indeed a supply shortage" with the campaign and it had worked with voluntary organisations and charities to address any concerns.
Image source, David Webster/BBC Image caption, Steve Clay, chief executive of Cambridge City Foodbank, said they had discussed the possibility that stockpiling would affect donations The food bank team estimates it will provide more than 45,000 meals to people in the city between 13 November and 15 January.
Clay says that with cold weather and pressure on spending, Christmas is "more difficult" than the rest of the year.
"Budgets are tighter, more has to be spent on fuel and energy," he said.
"So people are contacting us all the time for emergency support and we need to make sure that the support is always there and is continuing to be there." Donations are used to purchase emergency hampers, treats or provide advice and assistance.
While the food bank's doors close on Christmas Day, meals they have provided mean more people can enjoy the festivities.
Every pound donated, up to the first £15,000, would be doubled as part of a match-funding commitment.
'Hope and dignity' Dr Liam Loftus, development director of the food bank, said: "As we head into winter and the cold draws in, thousands of individuals and families will be forced to make the heart-breaking choice between heating or eating.
"This winter, can you take two minutes of your time to support our Winter Appeal?
"You'll be helping restore hope and dignity to people facing hardship and providing one of your neighbours with their next meal at what should be one of the happiest times of year." The government spokesperson said of the Be Ready campaign: "We've worked hand-in-hand with voluntary organisations and charities, including food banks, to address any concerns and ensure the guidance is as accessible as possible.
"Where households can act, that frees up emergency services to prioritise those most in-need during any emergency." Do you have a story suggestion for Cambridgeshire?
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