AN EMERGENCY £30,000 fund has been set up by Malvern Hills District Council to help feed people in need across the region.
Executive members agreed to create the pot of cash which could be used by organisations and community groups running foodbanks should they be overwhelmed by public demand.
The move follows reports nationwide about the growing number of people using foodbanks following the introduction of Universal Credit.
Universal Credit was launched in Malvern in September and replaces the six benefits of Jobseeker’s Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support, Working and Child Tax Credit and Housing Benefit.
Peter Buchanan, chairman of Malvern Hills Foodbank, said: “We hope we will be able to meet local needs without having to call upon the emergency fund and that experience elsewhere may mean the roll out of Universal Credit will be smoother for this area.
“It is a privilege to know we are part of such a caring community.”
Malvern Hills Food Bank is the largest organisation helping to feed people in crisis across the district and more than 50 volunteers help provide the service.
Since 2013 it has helped about 7,500 people and has handed out 20 tonnes of food, worth £35,000, in the last year.
Support is provided to large and small families as well as individuals to ensure people can eat. Additional support is also offered to help prevent them falling into crisis again.
Coun David Chambers, leader of Malvern Hills District Council, said he had seen for himself the ‘fantastic’ work the volunteers at Malvern Hills Foodbank do.
He added: “They receive tremendous support from the public and I am sure that will continue.
“However, we know in other parts of the country foodbanks are seeing large increases in demand.
“Should that happen here we want our foodbanks to know they have our support and the safety net of a fund they can call on should they need to.”
Malvern Hills Foodbank is in urgent need of donations of tomato ketchup, sugar and long life milk as well as Christmas food.
Visit www.malvernhills.foodbank.org.uk for more.
